What’s in the name? Quite a bit, if you’re involved with Sri Lankan cricket.

For all these years, the island nation knew just one Mendis. With 1,329 runs in 24 Tests, including four centuries and cover drives submerged in silken grace, Duleep Mendis was the biggest of Sri Lanka’s first generation of international batsmen. But now the country has found an altogether new Mendis brand as Ajantha, with 33 wickets in four Tests and 59 in 25 ODIs, is becoming famous for his deliveries wrapped in mystery.

Duleep, ironically, is still around in Sri Lankan cricket as Chief Executive Officer in the board, and happy too see his brand name pass on to another able cricketer while he’s still in charge. “It’s time to give up my brand name,” Mendis laughed on Thursday. “I had my share of recognition for all these years, and I’m happy that I continue to get support from every quarter. Now, with so much media exposure, it’s become easier for new players to come forward. But, having said that, Ajantha has done really well. He’s been able to capture the public’s imagination within a short period of time, and he’s also bagged the ICC Emerging Player award.”

Ajantha, who is seen on various hoardings in Colombo, is already a cult figure for the public. Duleep, despite being a bigger star, never got endorsement deals back in his days.

“If he continues to perform the way he has been for Sri Lanka in recent times, I will myself go up to him and hand him the Mendis name-plate. Ultimately, it’s not just about Mendis, it’s about Sri Lankan cricket and if Ajantha can take the country to the top, there’ll be nothing more rewarding for him and me.”

... contd.