Happy Birthday to two Unsung Heroes

Roger Binny

                      How many of you remember this name ?. Very few right.. Also, if you remember him, you won't know what he had done during his career. He had been a ' bits and pieces player ' of Indian Cricket Team. Recently, Sanjay Manjarekar, during 2019 Cricket World Cup, called Ravindra Jadeja as ' bits and pieces player '. Now, you might be coming to know about his presence in the team.

Roger Binny, was born on 19th July, 1955 at Bengaluru. He was the first Anglo Indian to represent Indian National Cricket Team. He has been an all rounder and at from young age, he had been excelling both in the field of athletics and cricket. He had won a gold medal for 100 m race. Before making his debut for Indian national cricket team at the year 1979, he was a key prolific player for Karnataka State Cricket Team. Just like Shane Watson, he used to open both batting and bowling. 

He made his international debut against Pakistan, in a test series, at 1979 and the match was held at his home ground, Bengaluru. He was a part of World Cup Winning 1983 Indian Squad. He picked up most wickets in the tournament (18). Also. some of his important knocks, saved his team from collapse. But, still wasn't credited much.

Other than 1983 Cricket World Cup, he was so phenomenal at 1985 World Cricket Championship and also World Series Cricket. There he repeated his World Cup Performances with the ball (17 wickets). But, he was used as a regular fast bowler and at most times, he was brought in to play at No.8 Position. Still, he accepted his position and played his part. 

His career didn't stand much. He was made one of the five national team selectors during 2012. Under his selection, Indian team played 2013 ICC Champions Trophy, 2014 T20 Cricket World Cup and 2015 Cricket World Cup.

He is the father of Stuart Binny and Father in Law of Mayanti Langer.

Dilhara Fernando

He was born on July 19, 1979, at Colombo, Sri Lanka. He is a right arm pace bowler, who made his debut at the year 2000. He is known for his technique of bowling slower balls with splitting his fingers in the seam position of the ball. During the early phase of his career, he used to clock speeds more than 90 miles per hour.

But, his career were studded with full of injuries. His back injury during 2004 which rested him playing against Australia. Other than that, he had stress fractures both in his back and at his leg. 

He was a part of Sri Lankan World Cup Team during 2007 and 2011. At both the years, Sri Lankan team ended up as the finalists. He has a best figures of 6/27 at ODI Cricket. Whereas, at Test Format, he had picked up 5 wicket hauls, thrice. His career best figures were 5/42.

He was the fourth leading wicket taker for Sri Lanka during the phase of 2011, who picked up around 158 wickets during that time. But, the domination of Malinga, Kulasekara, Chaminda Vaas made him ineffective in his team.

He was a basketball player, during his young age, and he was selected to play, with due to his height. He was also a savior for his team, during many occasions. A best example is that, during 2007 Cricket World Cup, against England, Ravi Bopara was at the strike. They needed 2 runs to win off last ball. Fernando, was handed over the ball and he delivered the last delivery. At last ball, he bowled Ravi Bopara, winning the match for his team.

But, at longer period, he isn't much fitter to feature in the team. Still, he has been in his best.