In cricket, where heroes are born, a young luminary is emerging as a beacon of promise. Meet Rehan Peiris, a 14-year-old batsman of Royal College, whose passion for the game is propelling him into the spotlight. Guided by his father, Rashan Peiris, a former Sri Lanka ‘A’ player and the current head coach of Royal College junior cricket, Rehan’s journey is nothing short of remarkable.
Rehan’s love affair with cricket began in his nursery years. From swinging the bat in those early days to savoring every moment on the field, cricket became an integral part of his childhood. Rashan, his father and mentor, previously coached at St Sebastian’s College Moratuwa, laying the foundation for Rehan’s cricketing prowess by instilling invaluable techniques. Cricket experts commend Rehan for his natural batting style, effortlessly picking the ball, and showcasing a rare talent accentuated by his distinctive physique.
Standing tall on the field, Rehan has earned a reputation as a powerful striker. Known for confidently dispatching sixes through mid-wicket and long-on areas, he adds a touch of elegance with strokes on the off-side. His growing confidence is a pivotal factor in navigating the demands of modern cricket.
Rashan Peiris, reflecting on their journey, says, “During his development, I focused on correcting his technique. Now, I emphasize the importance of mental strength in modern cricket.”
Rehan’s accolades include being crowned the Best Batsman in the Sanath Jayasuriya Tournament at the Under-9 and Under-11 categories, where he notched up multiple centuries. Joining Royal College in Grade Seven, Rehan faced a unique situation due to his father’s coaching role, propelling him into the Royal College’s Under-17 B team at the tender age of 13.
In a surprising twist, Rehan found himself playing for the Royal College senior team at 13. His prowess was evident in both practice sessions and official matches, with a standout performance of scoring 55 runs as an opener in an Under-17 match, followed by a century in the next game.
Rehan’s journey took a historic turn as he rewrote Royal College record books, scoring an unbeaten 150 runs against DS Senanayake College. This achievement set a new standard, making him the youngest Royal batsman to achieve such a feat in a two-day match, overcoming the record of Nigel Fernando in 1987.
In the previous school season, Rehan amassed an impressive 750 runs in 12 matches, featuring a remarkable 150 not out and four half-centuries. His accomplishments extended to making history in the Battle of the Blues, becoming the youngest batsman to play at the age of 13 and contributing a match-winning half-century in the following Mustangs Trophy encounter against S Thomas’ College.
At 13, Rehan showcased his skills in the Under-17 tournament, hitting a century against Wesley College. In the recently concluded Sri Lanka Cricket organized Prima Under-15 Youth League, he played a pivotal role in Colombo South’s triumph, scoring two centuries, including a run-a-ball 129 in the final.
Rehan Peiris is not merely a young cricketer; he symbolizes dedication and promise, emerging as a rising star in the cricketing galaxy. Keep an eye on this name, for Rehan is on a trajectory to redefine the norms of cricket.
