By: Muhammad Saad Abbasi
MELBOURNE: As part of Multicultural Action Plan, Cricket Australia has launched season two of the video series “Local Heroes”, which highlights the extraordinary journeys of players and enthusiasts enriching Australian cricket.
The story of Ruwantha Kellapotha, a 32-year-old from Sri Lanka, is a testament to the passion these devotees have for the game.
Arriving in Melbourne in 2013 with dreams of showcasing his talent, Kellapotha’s story is remarkable. After quickly making his mark in club cricket, he ascended through the ranks to secure a contract with Victoria and the Melbourne Renegades in 2022.
The Kandy-born spinner won these contracts after his impressive performance for the Renegades Academy during the 2022 Top End T20 series in Darwin.
Kellapotha had honed his skills throughout eight seasons with the Dandenong District Cricket Association before making the transition to Premier Cricket with Casey-South Melbourne Cricket Club.
He made an immediate impact in the BBL season claiming three wickets in as many matches with an economy rate of 7.5 in his debut season.
Reflecting on his journey, Kellapotha says: “I played first-class cricket back in Sri Lanka, but I wasn’t sure about my future when I came to Melbourne in 2013.”
“I started my career by playing local cricket but honing my skills in Gades Academy enabled my entry to Premier Cricket. It wasn’t an easy journey, but my passion for the game and a clear pathway led me to the highest stage of Australian cricket.”
“Cricket is my passion and I feel myself fortunate that after Sri Lanka, my skills are being recognized in Australia now.”