Sayanthan, known to many as VVS, grew up in Jaffna (Sri Lanka) playing street cricket. Still a teenager, VVS played cricket for Gnanams Sports Club, and as a professional at Hartley College where he was a wicket keeper and left-handed opening batter. He was torn between cricket and his studies so couldn’t fully invest his time in the game as he grew older.

VVS moved to the capital of Sri Lanka, Colombo, where he studied at the National Institute of Business Management. During this time he continued to play cricket; now at internationally recognised venues such as the R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium.

At the age of 19 VVS came to England to study a BSC in Computing at the University of East London. With friends from school he founded two clubs in London called Hartleyites Cricket Club and Old Hartleyites Cricket Club, named after their school in Sri Lanka. Both are still playing today.

VVS completed his degree, then worked in London before moving to Durham a few years later. He launched his business and played cricket for his local club called Brandon CC.

In November 2019, VVS was involved in a car accident and suffered a traumatic brain injury. He was forced to sell his business and relocated to Aylesbury in 2021 where he was closer to family and could continue his recovery.

Considering his background in cricket, one of VVS’ brain injury therapists suggested returning to an active role in cricket. Cublington Cricket Club was fortunate to have VVS signposted to them. The then Chair of the club, Michael Reilly, encouraged VVS to become involved in the junior section, where he earned his first coaching qualification.

In 2024 Cublington CC set out plans to launch its disability cricket section. Now known as Game Changers Cricket, the programme offers free cricket sessions for children and young adults with disabilities, diagnosed conditions and impairments. VVS became involved in the early stages of planning, and has been engaged as a regular coach and contributor ever since. With VVS’ support the programme continues to grow, with plans to deliver an additional weekly session and fixtures for children and adults in 2026.

Through Game Changers VVS is now using all his experience, from Jaffna to Durham, to engage, inspire and develop the next generation of cricketers.

In November 2025, VVS successfully completed his ECB Core Coach qualification as he continues to deliver weekly Game Changers sessions. He said:

The challenge for me as a TBI survivor is to recover to my pre-accident state. Game Changers is helping me to recover a lot. I believe that every child should have access to sport because sport is essential to living healthily, so being involved in Game Changers Cricket is really meaningful. Thank you to Cublington CC, and especially the Game Changers team, for all the support.

Game Changers sessions are delivered on Saturday mornings at the club, or at The Cottesloe School during winter. For more information about Game Changers please visit our website, or contact us at gamechangers@cublingtoncc.org.

Cublington CC is welcoming new members so please don’t hesitate to get in touch if you would like to join.