By Kuntal Chakraborty 

He is one of the topic of discussion in international cricket now. 18-year -old Sri Lankan mystery spinner Kevin Koththigoda has made heads turn with his unusual bowling action. With his consistency and ability to deceive the batsmen, Kevin is knocking the doors for a berth in the Sri Lankan senior side.

 

The Sri Lankan mystery spinner spoke to Wah Cricket over phone. Here are the excerpts....

 

People have already termed you Sri Lanka’s next big mystery spinner. What is so mysterious in your bowling? 

 

Kevin: I believe that it is my action, which makes it difficult for the batsmen to read. Actually in international cricket you need to play a lot of mind games and as long as you are difficult to read, you can create some sort of uneasiness for the batsmen.

 

Your action resembles former South African spinner Paul Adams, he was left handed though. Have you ever seen him play before you decided to go with this action? 

Kevin: It's a mere coincidence. This was my bowling action ever since I started bowling. Later on the seniors who saw my action told me it resembles a lot with the former South African chinaman bowler Paul Adams.

 

Sri Lankan cricket is going through a difficult phase in senior level. Are you confident to contribute if you get an opportunity soon? 

 

Kevin : Absolutely! I would give my 100% for my country if I get an opportunity and I am really looking forward to it. Playing for the country is the ultimate dream every cricketer cherishes and I am confident I will make it there very soon.

 

Who is your idol in spin bowling? 

 

Kevin : Shane Warne. I love his aggression and the variations he used to have. Ever since I took up the sport, I wanted to become like the Aussie legend one day.

 

There is already a lot of interest about you in India. Do you wish to play IPL next year? 

 

 

Kevin:  It'd be nice to play in IPL as you get to play with a lot of International players who are competing at the highest level. It'd be good for my development as a bowler. We'll see about that.

 

Have you ever had a chat with the spinning great Muthiah Muralitharan and if yes then what advice have you got from the him?

 

 

Kevin: No I haven't got an opportunity yet to meet Murali Sir. He is mostly busy with his international assignments but I wish to meet him any time soon and learn some tricks of the trade from the master of the art.