Saroja Vellayan : an unusual woman ground staff

Breaking the trend of only men having manned the job is – Saroja Vellayan – effortlessly bragging three decades of diligence and devotedness in her duty.

“Earlier, a decade-and-a-half ago, there were around five women,” she said of the history.

Gradually the numbers had dropped and now it’s only her representing the ladies. But there is no stopping and only intends to continue in this craft of cricket.

From her grandfather, from whom the baton began and now lying in the safe hands of Saroja, all were closely-associated with the job.

“My parents were all born-and-bred in this profession. This has fed and kept our fires burning,” said Saroja, the last serving member of three generations having performed this job, and continuing the family tradition.

Shoot for the Sunday Times Sri Lanka 2022

.https://www.sundaytimes.lk/220109/sports/the-wonder-woman-at-tamil-union-468482.html