Nandika Ranjith

For a fast bowler who did not play any serious cricket until well past the age of 20, Ranjith has come a long way towards gaining national honours. Ranjith had his early beginnings with Wellampitiya SC, a division III club side, whom he represented for two years before joining a more established club, Burgher RC, in 1996. He made his first-class debut with them and also met his first coach, Graeme Labrooy, the former Sri Lankan fast bowler. An injury to his right arm kept him out of cricket for one-and-a-half years. It was not until he joined Moors SC in 1999 that his career really took off. Under Chandika Hathurusingha's guidance, Ranjith spearheaded Moors to their maiden triumph in the Premier Trophy League in 2002-03 by capturing his first ten-wicket haul in the final against Bloomfield. It was without doubt his best season - he took 69 wickets at an average of 17.10. Last season he left Moors and joined Tamil Union to better his prospects.
Saadi Thawfeeq (May 2005)