By Bipin Dani

Right-arm off-spinner Maheesh Theekshana became the first 21st century-born player from Sri Lanka when he made his ODI debut against the visiting South Africans at the R. Premadasa Stadium, yesterday. 

"I am not surprised. It was the right time to hand over the cap to him", his mentor and the coach at the Colts Cricket Club, speaking exclusively over the telephone, said. 

"Maheesh has done exceedingly well in the domestic circuit and he has been rewarded.”

The 21-year-old’s family were elated at seeing Theekshana make his international debut. 

"Today is the happiest day in our life. Our greatest hope in life has been fulfilled today", his grandmother Indra Padmini said. 

"He is in the team because of his hard work and total dedication. My grand-son has strived hard to reach this level. His focus is only to play for the country and write his name in the history book", the grandmother, who is also a guardian to Maheesh and his two younger sisters (Sathmi and Pinsara), said.