Upul Tharanga

Upul-Tharanga, Sri Lanka vs Pakistan, 1st ODI, 2017

Upul Tharanga is a former Sri Lankan international cricketer, who played all formats of the game and served as a former captain of the Sri Lanka national team. Born on February 2, 1985, in Balapitiya, Sri Lanka, Tharanga was primarily known for his role as a left-handed opening batsman. His cricketing career is marked by significant achievements and contributions to Sri Lankan cricket, making him one of the notable figures in the sport's history in the country.

Early Life and Career

Tharanga's journey in cricket began at a young age, showing promise in school-level cricket which eventually led to his selection for national under-15 and under-17 teams. His performances in domestic cricket, particularly for the Nondescripts Cricket Club, highlighted his potential and paved the way for his international debut.

International Career

Upul Tharanga made his One Day International (ODI) debut for Sri Lanka in 2005 against the West Indies. He quickly became a mainstay in the Sri Lankan opening batting lineup, forming a formidable partnership with Sanath Jayasuriya, another Sri Lankan cricket legend. Tharanga's ability to build innings and play long knocks made him a valuable player in the ODI format.

He made his Test debut in the same year against India, showcasing his versatility across cricket formats. Though primarily known for his ODI performances, Tharanga also contributed significantly to Sri Lanka's Test and T20I teams.

One of Tharanga's most memorable innings came during the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup, where he played a crucial role in Sri Lanka's journey to the final. His consistent performances at the top of the order were instrumental in many of Sri Lanka's victories in the tournament.

Captaincy

Tharanga was named the captain of the Sri Lanka ODI and T20I teams on several occasions, particularly when regular captains were unavailable due to injury or rest. His leadership was marked by a calm demeanor and strategic acumen, although his tenure as captain had mixed results in terms of team performance.

Retirement

Upul Tharanga announced his retirement from international cricket in February 2021, concluding a career that spanned over 15 years. His contribution to Sri Lankan cricket, especially in the ODI format, has left a lasting legacy.

Legacy

Tharanga's career is remembered for his elegance at the crease, his ability to anchor innings, and his contributions to some of Sri Lanka's most significant victories on the international stage. He remains an inspiration to many young cricketers in Sri Lanka and around the world.

See Also

• Sri Lanka national cricket team
• List of Sri Lanka ODI cricketers
• Sanath Jayasuriya