Vid Galgamuwa announced as Edgware Cricket Club captain for 2025 season
Edgware Cricket Club have announced the Club Captains for the 2025 season, with Vidanda Galgamuwa set to take over the First XI Club Captain role from Nakul Jilka, who stood down at the end of the 2024 campaign.
In addition to Vidanda taking over as Club Captain, Ash Balkaran and Kabeer Soni will take on vice-captain and third captain responsibilities respectively. Furthermore, Jaimin Patel and Jeet Swaminarayan have been rewarded for their commitment over the past two seasons, and have been handed the opportunity to captain the T20 XI who will make their comeback this season as part of the club's 10-year anniversary celebrations.
Stephen Poopenshaft (SP) was able to catch up with Vidanda Galgamuwa (VG) at the Club HQ to discuss the new role and his ambitions for 2025.
SP: Today, you have been announced as the Official Club Captain for 2025 and in doing so, join an exclusive list. How excited are you to take over from Nakul, and what are you hoping to bring to the role?
VG: I'm incredibly excited and honoured to be named captain! It's humbling to follow in the footsteps of Ciaran, Saj, and Nakul. They've set a high bar, and I'm determined to continue Edgware's winning tradition. More than anything, I want to build on the amazing culture we have at Edgware – it's what makes this club so special. We've got a great mix of talent and competitive spirit, and when Edgwarians get fired up, we're unstoppable!
SP: 2024 was a great year for the club. In fact, it was the most succesful year ever in terms of win percentage and you signed off the season with an incredible away tour win in Menorca. What have you learnt in 2024 and what are you looking forward to in 2025?
VG: 2024 was a fantastic year! Winning promotion and that unforgettable victory in Menorca were definite highlights. But it wasn't always easy. We faced some challenges, especially with injuries to key players like Nakul. Stepping in as captain while he recovered was a great learning experience. I realised just how important every single player is to our success. I remember one game where Jaimin suggested a field change that led to a crucial wicket – that kind of teamwork and creative thinking is what I want to encourage this season. Everyone has a role to play, and I want to make sure everyone feels involved and empowered.
SP: The fans are thirsty after three back-to-back promotions in the Saturday League. Is a fourth straight promotion possible and will the club be aiming for promotion in the Sunday League as well to secure what would be an unprecedented double?
VG: You better believe we're going for the double! Three promotions in a row is amazing, but this team is hungry for more. We have the talent, the determination, and the support of our incredible fans to make it happen. Expect maximum effort and a thrilling season in both leagues!
SP: Finally, looking forward to the future. Is the club looking at drafting in some fresh faces this season and continuing to blood in youngsters, similar to Joseph and Moses in 2024?
VG: Absolutely! Joseph and Moses were fantastic additions last year, and we're committed to developing young talent. We're thrilled to welcome back Ethan, Gavin, and a few other familiar faces this season. They'll be crucial in bolstering up our squad and reducing the average age of the squad. And keep an eye out – our chairman has a few surprises up his sleeve that will help us secure even more young talent!
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Vidanda has already had a solid start to his captaincy career, boasting a 63% win record (the second highest ever) and a 83% and 71% win record respectively between Edgware's Saturday XI and Second XI.
With just under 12 weeks until the new season begins, the Edgware boys will be hard at work at the indoor nets to gear up for an exciting 2025 campaign. Want to get involved? - Get in contact via our website!
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