Hyderabad, May 21: Only A month ago, two of the sub-continent's skippers officially complained about `excess' cricket. Arjuna Ranatunga, the Sri Lankan captain, and Wasim Akram, his Pakistani counterpart, were critical of the crammed schedules in international cricket in general and of their teams in particular.

The cricketers indeed have their hands full. The Independence Cup itself testifies to this fact. But, Roshan Mahanama doesn't subscribe to this view. ``I think one should cope with it,'' he says.

Till their outstanding win in the last edition of the World Cup, Sri Lanka did not get the kind of recognition they deserved. ``We have always had a tremendous following in our country. It is only outside that we thrived for recognition,'' the soft-spoken Mahanama explains matter-of-factly.

Then how are the Lankans taking the sudden change of fortunes? ``Now, as world champions, we are well received everywhere. Though, of course, we are not over-reacting.''

Though Mahanama started his career as an opener, of late, his copy-book style was overshadowed by the slam-bang methods of players like Sanath Jayasuriya and Romesh Kaluwitharana, which pushed him to the lower order in the abridged version of the game. But, he proved his mettle there too, lifting his team from doldrums on numerous occasions.

``Personally, it is difficult for me to shift positions. You have to get mentally tough. But, I play for the team. I place the team's interests first and will be happy to contribute whatever is better.'' That is the stylish right-hander's sensible view.

Mahanama is equally known for his razor-sharp fielding. His superb ground fielding and brilliant catching have been assets to his side. The cerebral cricketer analysed his priorities at the right stage, while still at school. ``If you want to be a top-class cricketer, you have to be strong in at least two departments. I knew I could not bowl. So, I concentrated on fielding and batting,'' says Mahanama.

He started off as a magnificent fielder in the covers. ``But now I field in all positions except at the silly-point and short-leg unlike players like Jonty Rhodes who is a specialist in the covers,'' he says.

``I do not have any role models in fielding,'' the talented batsman reveals. But, when it comes to batting, ``Greg Chappell is my idol and Sunil Gavaskar is my hero.''

Like his batting, one finds his discretion too is delightful as he gently refuses to choose between the two Australian coaches David Whatmore, who was instrumental in making the Lankans the world-beaters, and Bruce Yardley, his successor, saying `` I cannot comment on that.''

Mahanama does not believe in dumping players once they are into their thirties. ``Age should not be the criterion. You should not see if a player is 30 or 33, but, see how fit he is.''

The 30-year-old cricketer, who has been visiting India since 1986, hopes to be donning the national colours at least till the Lankan side would defend the World Cup next time. ``Then I will plan further.''

Copyright © 1997 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.