My father was my idol, says Duvindu Tillakaratne
Duvindu Tillakaratne played school Cricket as a left arm leg spinner for his alma mater Trinity College, Kandy in the inter schools Cricket tournament. He took 106 wickets in the year 2016 for Trinity College in the Inter-school cricket tournament, thus becoming the first bowler from Central Province to claim 100 wickets that season and also won the Cricket Lion of the school that year.
He is the son of former Sri Lanka Test captain Hashan Tillakaratne, and the twin brother of Ravindu Tillakaratne and also has a younger brother in Rajindu Tillakaratne. Duvindu made his first-class debut for Badureliya Sports Club in the 2016–17 Premier League Tournament.
He was the leading wicket-taker for Burgher Recreation Club in the 2018–19 Premier League Tournament, with 34 dismissals in nine matches.
In November 2019, he was named in Sri Lanka’s squad for the men’s cricket tournament at the 2019 South Asian Games.
The Sri Lanka team won the Silver medal, after they lost to Bangladesh by seven wickets in the final. He was the leading wicket-taker in the 2019–20 Premier League Tournament, with 61 wickets for BRC in nine matches. In October 2020, he was drafted by the Galle Gladiators for the inaugural edition of the Lanka Premier League. He was also in the Sri Lanka Test squad for the South African tour as well.
Speaking to Daily News Duvindu said “Being brought up in a sporting family, Both Ravindu and I enjoyed spending our time outdoors ever since we were toddlers. I think that’s why we took a liking to sports.”. “My father was my idol, so I thought to myself that one day I’m going to follow in his footsteps and become a cricketer.”
“My parents, grandparents, coaches and friends have always been by my side during my highs and lows. So I’m grateful for the support I have received from them throughout this journey so far”. “My top priority is my family, physical/mental health and Cricket”. “My favourite holiday destination is Sri Lanka and exploring this gem of an island that we call home.” “Getting my 100th wicket and winning the Trinity Lion during my final season at Trinity College Kandy and that too at the big match in front of my family and friends made it a very special moment”. “I have a passion for wildlife and nature and whenever I get free time, the first thing I would do is go to Yala national park. I also play the guitar, practice a bit of Angampora, and recently I have been interested in surfing.”
“Becoming a cricketer requires an immense amount of sacrifice and dedication. You need to be physically and mentally strong in addition to the skill you possess.”
“Taking 61 wickets in 9 matches and becoming the highest wicket taker in the premier league tournament and being called up to the test squad is a feat that I’ll always be proud of”. “I always don’t compare myself to anyone. I always think that I’m unique and try to be the best version of myself.”
“The best compliment that I have received was that I’m a good son and my favourite Cricketer is undoubtedly my beloved father. “. “Yes of course. I am very happy with all my achievements thus far as a young man and in life I surely do what I believe in.”
“During the Wigan T20 final In England this year, I dropped a sitter of a catch at long on which happened to be right in front of the local crowd who were kind enough to keep reminding me about it and that’s my most embarrassing moment on the Cricket field that I will never forget.”
“It made me appreciate all the little things in life, yet the most valuable things in life and that’s what the pandemic has taught me in life thus far.”
“When I grow up I want to be a responsible citizen and the legacy that I want to be remembered for is a person that always does the right thing.” On a concluding note Duvindu said “I’m a calm and passionate person in life.”