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.”

Duleep is now managing the affairs of the cricket board here after the controversial sacking of Arjuna Ranatunga last month. “My job is to look after the overall working of the board. Even with Ranatunga at the helm, I was doing the same job, and now with sports minister Gamini Lokuge in charge, I am going about things in the same manner. No change as far as I am concerned,” he says.

Former cricketers have gone on to make good coaches, but not many have been strong administrators. “It can work both ways. A cricketer in charge of the board can see things from a cricketing perspective, sparing a thought for cricketers. Sometimes it works well, and sometimes it doesn’t. It really depends on the situation and the individual,” Mendis says.

The 56-year old is confident, despite heavy odds, that the hurriedly arranged series will pull in the spectator interest. And that it will also be keenly fought as his namesake will strike back at the Indians.