As the season draws to a close, we thought it was time to put a very special player ‘in the spotlight’. Duvindu Tilliakaratne is our overseas player from Sri Lanka and joined ORTCC at the start of the 2021 season. He is a left arm spin bowler and this season’s club pro player. His magic with the ball means he is easily our highest wicket taker this year and with figures of 290-79-740-76, Duvindu is regarded as the best pro player the club has ever had. Week on week, Duvindu has shown his quality on the field. Enchanting, enthralling, outstanding are just a few words that have been used to describe him.
Not only has he been our most decorated Performer of the Week, but he has attracted attention from both our cricket league and the media. His talent has been spotted by local reporters and he has been featured in several newspaper articles. Duvindu has also given up a lot of his time to help our junior players during both their summer cricket camp and also at weekly training sessions. Not only has he generated excitement on the field, but Duvindu’s kindness, warmth and compassion for others, means he has made many friends for life here at the club. We would like to take the opportunity to thank his incredible family for sharing him with us this year and although we know he may be called up to play for his country in 2022, we secretly hope he will decide to come back to us instead! Thank you Duvindu, you will be truly missed.
What is your name and which ORTCC team do you play for?
My name is Duvindu Tillakaratne and I play for the ORTCC first team.
Do you have a nickname and if so, can you explain its significance?
My friends call me Duvi which is shorter for Duvindu, or they just call me DT.
What sparked your interest in cricket?
My father was an international cricketer (Hashan Tillakaratne), so I was introduced to the game at a very early age as I was brought up in a cricketing atmosphere. He was my hero and role model, so I wanted to be like him.
We understand you are from a cricketing family. can you explain a little bit about how your family are/have been involved?
My father is a former Sri Lanka test captain and has been involved in many aspects within cricket after he retired in 2004. He has served as a national selector, batting coach of the national men’s team, head coach of the national under 19 team and was just appointed as the head coach of the national women’s team.
As for my mum, she was the convener of women’s cricket in Sri Lanka.
My twin brother Ravindu is also a first-class cricketer and he bowls left arm wrist spin.
My youngest brother is 16 and plays for his school S.Thomas’ College Mt. Lavinia. He represented the college 1st XI team last season.
Do you have a cricketing superstition, if so, what is it?
I do not have any superstitions to be honest, but I believe that being well prepared before a game would help me perform better.
What other cricket teams have you played for?
I have played for two First class teams back in Sri Lanka, namely, Badureliya CC and BRC which is my current team.
Who is your favourite professional player?
Ravindra Jadeja. He is exceptional in all three departments.
Who is the funniest at the club?
Without a doubt it’s Andy Baybutt. Never fails to make me laugh!
Which team-mate is the tidiest in the changing room?
David Naylor. Seems to have anything and everything and knows exactly where they are in his kit bag.
Who is the most humble player you’ve played with?
Dasun Shanaka. Incredibly humble and a gun player.
What one tip or piece of advice would you pass on to our juniors?
Just enjoy the game as much as possible because that’s what matters.
What is your favourite food?
Too many! But If I had to live off one dish for the rest of life, it would be Sri Lankan Rice and curry.
What is your favourite football team?
Manchester United. I also like to watch a bit of Rugby whenever I can.
What is your favourite away ground?
Asgiriya international cricket stadium in Kandy.
Who is your favourite band/singer?
John Mayer.
What would be your T20 theme tune song and why?
Thunderstruck by AC/DC. Just gets me in the zone.
What is your funniest or most memorable moment at ORTCC?
Funniest moment would be a couple of the lads saying “come on duvi play us a tune on your guitar” while I was running up to bowl. Haha that seriously cracked me up.
What is your proudest cricketing achievement?
Finishing last year’s first-class season as the highest wicket taker and getting called up into the test squad.