Ruwantha Kellapotha Considers Move to Tasmania to Revive Cricket Career

In the world of cricket, resilience and timing often define careers. For Ruwantha Kellapotha, a Sri Lankan-born leg-spinner, the journey has been long and challenging — but far from over. After a standout season in Victoria, Australia, the 33-year-old is now exploring a potential move to Tasmania. His aim is simple: to reignite his cricket career and make the most of his current form.

As reported recently, Kellapotha is in discussions with Tasmanian clubs to find new opportunities in the Australian domestic setup. While he has impressed consistently at club and Premier Cricket levels, a full-time state contract has remained elusive in Victoria. A move to Tasmania might be the turning point he needs.

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A Promising Season That Deserved More

Ruwantha Kellapotha had an exceptional 2024–25 season playing for Casey South Melbourne in the Victorian Premier Cricket competition. He finished the season as the leading wicket-taker with 38 wickets, boasting an average of 22.13. In addition to his bowling success, he also made valuable contributions with the bat, scoring 343 runs. These numbers reflect his all-round ability and fitness, even at 33 — an age when many cricketers begin to wind down.

Despite these achievements, he has not been able to secure a stable position in Victoria’s senior state team. This is not due to a lack of skill, but rather the fierce competition and depth of talent in Victorian cricket. Such situations are not uncommon, especially in regions with rich cricketing talent pools.

This development has led Kellapotha to consider relocating to Tasmania, where the pathway to senior selection may be more open for a player of his experience and recent form.

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Journey from Sri Lanka to Australia

Born and raised in Sri Lanka, Ruwantha showed signs of cricketing promise from a young age. In the 2009–10 school cricket season, he claimed an impressive 108 wickets — a feat that highlighted his natural talent and determination. He moved to Australia in 2013, initially playing in the local leagues. Over time, he progressed through the ranks of Melbourne’s club cricket scene and eventually made a name for himself in Premier Cricket.

His persistence paid off in 2022 when he was signed by the Melbourne Renegades in the Big Bash League (BBL), one of the most competitive T20 leagues in the world. He also made his Sheffield Shield debut for Victoria, further proving his readiness for the highest levels of domestic cricket.

However, consistent opportunities at that level have not followed, prompting him to consider a fresh start in a new state.

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Tasmania: A Land of Opportunities

Tasmania has, over the years, become a welcoming destination for cricketers seeking a second chance. The state has a track record of giving overlooked or late-blooming players the platform to prove themselves. The relatively smaller pool of professional players in Tasmania often allows skilled individuals to get noticed and be rewarded with state contracts sooner.

For someone like Kellapotha, who already has experience in both red-ball and white-ball cricket, this move could open doors that have so far remained shut. Former Victorian wicketkeeper Darren Berry and Casey South Melbourne coach Will Carr have both spoken in support of Kellapotha’s potential move. They believe he still has plenty to offer, especially in the spin department where experience is key.

By shifting to Tasmania, he could bring much-needed depth to their bowling unit, while also adding value as a lower-order batsman.

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A Motivational Message for Young Cricketers

Ruwantha Kellapotha’s story is a reflection of what many aspiring cricketers go through. Despite achieving impressive numbers, recognition and opportunities are not always guaranteed. However, what sets players like him apart is their ability to stay motivated, adapt to new challenges, and continue evolving.

For young cricketers in India and abroad, his journey is a reminder that the road to success is rarely straightforward. It takes more than just talent — it takes perseverance, the right mindset, and sometimes, the courage to change direction. A move to Tasmania may seem like a small change, but in cricket, small decisions can lead to big breakthroughs.

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Final Thoughts

As Ruwantha Kellapotha weighs his options and looks toward a new beginning in Tasmania, his story offers valuable lessons for all followers of the game. Cricket is not just about statistics and fame — it’s about dedication, reinvention, and the constant push to do better.

Whether his move materialises or not, his journey so far deserves recognition. If he does make the move and gets the opportunity he is working for, it could be the beginning of a very rewarding second chapter in his career.

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