Rangana Herath

Rangana Herath is a former Sri Lankan cricketer who is widely considered one of the greatest left-arm spinners in the history of the sport. He was born on March 19, 1978, in Kurunegala, Sri Lanka, and started his cricketing career as a teenager.

Personal Life:

Rangana Herath is a private person who doesn't talk much about his personal life in the media. He is married and has two children. His wife's name is Sujeewa and they have a son named Kavishka and a daughter named Senudi. Herath is known for being a dedicated family man who likes to spend time with his loved ones when he is not playing cricket.

Early Career:

Rangana Herath started playing cricket at a very young age, and his talent was soon spotted by his coaches. He made his first-class debut for Kurunegala Youth Cricket Club in 1996 and quickly established himself as a promising left-arm spinner. In his early years, Herath struggled to make an impact at the domestic level, but his perseverance and hard work paid off eventually.

Domestic Career:

Rangana Herath's domestic career spanned over two decades, during which he played for several teams in Sri Lanka. He started his career with Kurunegala Youth Cricket Club, but it was with Tamil Union Cricket and Athletic Club that he made his mark as a player. Herath played for Tamil Union for over a decade, and his performances with both bat and ball were instrumental in the team's success.

In 2005, Herath was signed by the Kandurata Maroons, and he played a key role in the team's success in the Sri Lanka Premier League. His performances caught the attention of the national selectors, and he was called up to the Sri Lankan national team in 2004.

International Career:

Rangana Herath made his international debut for Sri Lanka in 1999, but he had to wait for several years before he could establish himself as a regular member of the team. He was in and out of the team for several years, but he never gave up and continued to work hard on his game.

Herath's breakthrough moment came in 2009 when he was selected for Sri Lanka's Test series against Pakistan. He made an immediate impact, taking 4 wickets in his debut match and helping Sri Lanka to a convincing win. From then on, there was no looking back for Herath, and he went on to become one of the most successful spin bowlers in Sri Lankan cricket history.

Over the years, Herath became a key member of Sri Lanka's Test and ODI teams, and he played a pivotal role in the team's success. He was particularly effective in Test cricket, where his ability to turn the ball sharply and deceive the batsmen with his flight and guile made him a nightmare for opposition batsmen.

Herath's most memorable moment came in 2014 when he became the first left-arm spinner to take 300 Test wickets. He achieved the feat in Sri Lanka's Test match against Pakistan, and it was a testament to his skill and longevity as a player. Herath retired from international cricket in 2018, having played 93 Tests, 71 ODIs, and 17 T20Is for Sri Lanka.

Rangana Herath, the former Sri Lankan cricketer, is known for his exceptional skills as a left-arm spinner. In addition to his bowling prowess, he also served as the captain of the Sri Lankan cricket team for a brief period. Let's take a closer look at Herath's captaincy, record-breaking performances, international five-wicket hauls, and retirement.

Captaincy:

Herath was appointed as the captain of the Sri Lankan cricket team for the tour of Zimbabwe in 2016. He led the team in three Tests and five ODIs, winning the Test series 2-0 but losing the ODI series 3-2. Herath's captaincy was praised by many for his calm and composed approach, as well as his ability to get the best out of his team.

However, Herath's captaincy stint was short-lived, as he stepped down from the position after the tour of Zimbabwe, citing the need to focus on his own game. Herath's brief captaincy tenure showed that he was not only an exceptional cricketer but also a capable leader who could inspire his team to victory.

Breaking Records:

Herath is known for his ability to break records and achieve milestones in his career. In 2014, he became the first left-arm spinner to take 300 Test wickets. He achieved the feat in Sri Lanka's Test match against Pakistan, and it was a testament to his skill and longevity as a player.

Herath also clasps the record for the most quantity of wickets by a left-arm spinner in Test cricket. He took 433 wickets in 93 Tests, surpassing the previous record holder Daniel Vettori of New Zealand.

International Five-Wicket Hauls:

Herath has a remarkable record when it comes to taking five-wicket hauls in international cricket. He has taken 36 five-wicket hauls in Tests, which is the most by a left-arm spinner in the history of the format.

Herath's best performance with the ball came in Sri Lanka's Test match against Australia in 2016. He took 7 wickets for just 64 runs in the second innings, helping Sri Lanka to a historic 3-0 series win over the visitors. Herath's performance was a testament to his skill and experience as a bowler.

Bowling: Most Wickets:

Herath's left-arm spin bowling was a nightmare for many opposition batsmen, particularly in Test cricket. He finished his career with 433 Test wickets, which is the most by a Sri Lankan bowler in the format.

Herath's ability to turn the ball sharply and deceive the batsmen with his flight and guile made him a formidable opponent. His best bowling figures in Tests are 9 wickets for 127 runs, which he achieved in Sri Lanka's Test match against Pakistan in 2014.

Retirement:

Herath announced his retirement from international cricket in November 2018, following Sri Lanka's Test series against England. His retirement marked the end of a long and illustrious career, in which he had established himself as one of the finest spin bowlers in the history of the game.

Herath's decision to retire was not a surprise, as he had hinted at it earlier in the year. His retirement was met with widespread tributes from the cricketing fraternity, with many former players and fans praising his contributions to the sport.

Rangana Herath is one of the greatest spin bowlers in the history of cricket. His unusual skills, coupled with his hard work and commitment, made him a formidable opponent for any team. Herath's left-arm spin bowling was a nightmare for many opposition batsmen, and he was known for his ability to turn the ball sharply and deceive the batsmen with his flight and guile.

Herath's achievements in international cricket are numerous. He holds the record for the most number of wickets by a left-arm spinner in Test cricket, with 433 wickets in 93 Tests. He has also taken 36 five-wicket hauls in Tests, which is the most by a left-arm spinner in the history of the format.

Herath's captaincy stint was brief, but he showed that he was not only an exceptional cricketer but also a capable leader who could inspire his team to victory. He led the Sri Lankan cricket team in three Tests and five ODIs, winning the Test series 2-0 but losing the ODI series 3-2.

Herath's retirement from international cricket in November 2018 marked the end of a long and illustrious career. His decision to retire was not a surprise, as he had hinted at it earlier in the year. His retirement was met with widespread tributes from the cricketing fraternity, with many former players and fans praising his contributions to the sport.

In conclusion, Rangana Herath's career is a testament to his skill, dedication, and perseverance. His achievements in international cricket have made him a legend of Sri Lankan cricket and an inspiration to cricketers around the world. Herath's left-arm spin bowling will be remembered for years to come, and his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of cricketers.