In the annals of cricket, there are tales of triumph, tales of controversy, and tales of unexpected turns. The story of Suraj Randiv, a former Sri Lankan cricketer, encapsulates all these elements. Born as Mohamed Marshuk Mohamed Suraj and later known as Suraj Randiv, his journey from the bustling cricket fields of Sri Lanka to the serene landscapes of Australia is as intriguing as it is inspiring.
A cricketer who once made headlines for his skillful spin bowling and a particularly controversial on-field decision, Randiv’s life post-international cricket has seen a dramatic shift. Migrating to Australia, he embarked on a new chapter, balancing his enduring passion for cricket with a career change that is both humble and honorable.
Suraj Randiv Batting Career Stats
| Format | M | Inn | NO | Runs | HS | Avg | BF | SR | 100 | 200 | 50 | 4s | 6s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 12 | 17 | 1 | 147 | 39 | 9.19 | 480 | 30.62 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 16 | 0 |
| ODI | 31 | 18 | 2 | 280 | 56 | 17.5 | 382 | 73.3 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 28 | 1 |
| T20I | 7 | 2 | 0 | 8 | 6 | 4.0 | 6 | 133.33 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| IPL | 8 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 2.0 | 4 | 50.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Bowling Career Stats
| Format | M | Inn | B | Runs | Wkts | BBI | BBM | Econ | Avg | SR | 5W | 10W |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 12 | 21 | 3146 | 1614 | 43 | 5/82 | 9/162 | 3.08 | 37.53 | 73.16 | 1 | 0 |
| ODI | 31 | 29 | 1437 | 1214 | 36 | 5/42 | 5/42 | 5.07 | 33.72 | 39.92 | 1 | 0 |
| T20I | 7 | 7 | 126 | 139 | 7 | 3/20 | 3/20 | 6.62 | 19.86 | 18.0 | 0 | 0 |
| IPL | 8 | 8 | 174 | 223 | 6 | 2/24 | 2/24 | 7.69 | 37.17 | 29.0 | 0 | 0 |
Career Information
Test debut vs India at Sinhalese Sports Club, Jul 26, 2010
Last Test vs New Zealand at P Sara Oval, Nov 25, 2012
ODI debut vs India at Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium, Dec 18, 2009
Last ODI vs England at Edgbaston, Jun 24, 2016
T20 debut vs Zimbabwe at Providence Stadium, May 03, 2010
Last T20 vs England at County Ground, Jun 25, 2011
IPL debut vs Kolkata Knight Riders at MA Chidambaram Stadium, Apr 08, 2011
Last IPL vs Kolkata Knight Riders at Eden Gardens, May 07, 2011
Biography - Early Years and Education
Suraj Randiv, born as Hewa Kaluhalamullage Suraj Randiv Kaluhalamulla on January 30, 1985, in Matara, Sri Lanka, is a professional cricketer whose journey in the sport began in his hometown. Raised in a country where cricket is more than just a game, Randiv’s early years were steeped in the rich cricket culture of Sri Lanka.
His education and cricket development were closely intertwined. Randiv attended Rahula College, Matara, a school known for nurturing young cricket talents. It was here that his skills and love for the game flourished. During his school years, he showcased significant potential as a spin bowler, a talent that would later define his cricketing career.
Randiv’s early cricketing experiences were typical of a Sri Lankan youth, playing with a passion and dedication that mirrored the national sentiment towards the sport. This period was crucial in honing his skills and developing the discipline required for professional cricket.
His education, both academic and in cricket, laid a solid foundation for his future career. It was a blend of traditional schooling and rigorous cricket training, a pathway followed by many Sri Lankan cricketers who have gone on to achieve international fame.
Suraj Randiv’s Career Journey Through Controversies to IPL Debut
Suraj Randiv’s cricket career took a significant turn in December 2009, marking a pivotal moment when he stepped in for the legendary Muttiah Muralitharan in Sri Lanka’s ODI squad during their tour in India. His debut, a memorable event, occurred in the second match of the series in Nagpur. Here, Randiv showcased his burgeoning talent, impressively claiming three wickets for 51 runs. His performance played a crucial role in Sri Lanka’s victory, as they clinched the match by three wickets.
A Controversial Incident
On August 16, 2010, Randiv found himself at the center of a controversial incident that captured significant media attention. During a tri-series ODI against India, in a moment that would be widely discussed, he deliberately bowled a no-ball to Indian batsman Virender Sehwag, who was then poised at 99 runs. This act of overstepping the bowling mark prevented Sehwag from scoring a century, as the winning run was accounted for as soon as the umpire signaled the no-ball. Despite Sehwag hitting the ball for a six, his effort was considered post-match since the winning run had already been registered. This move drew criticism and led to Randiv issuing an apology to Sehwag. Consequentially, Sri Lanka Cricket penalized him by docking his match fees and suspending him for one match. It later emerged that his teammate, Tillekaratne Dilshan, had encouraged Randiv to deliver the no-ball.
World Cup Inclusion and Later Career
Despite being initially overlooked for the 2011 Cricket World Cup squad, Randiv was called up as a replacement for the injured Angelo Mathews. His inclusion proved fortuitous as he was selected to play in the World Cup Final, a highlight in any cricketer’s career.
After a hiatus of five years, Randiv made a comeback to the international scene during Sri Lanka’s 2016 tour of England. He played in the second ODI on June 24, 2016, marking his return to the international stage.
Domestic Career Achievements
In the realm of domestic cricket, Randiv’s career has been equally eventful. He was a part of the Chennai Super Kings team in the 2011 IPL player auction, contributing to the team for two seasons before being released in 2012. In 2016, he played for the Coleraine Cricket Club in Northern Ireland, showcasing his skills as their designated professional cricketer.
Randiv’s journey then took him to Australia, where he continued to play cricket at a district level. He became a part of the Dandenong Cricket Club, affiliated with Victoria Premier Cricket. His skills and experience were recognized by Cricket Australia in December 2020, as they invited him for a temporary role as a net bowler. This role involved bowling at Australian cricketers in the nets, aiding their preparation for the home test series against India in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
Throughout his career, Suraj Randiv’s journey in cricket reflects a tale of resilience, skill, and adaptability, making him a notable figure in the cricketing world.
Personal Life - Family, Religion, Marital Status
Suraj Randiv, originally born as Mohamed Marshuk Mohamed Suraj, is a former professional Sri Lankan cricketer. Born on January 30, 1985, in Matara, Sri Lanka, Randiv has had a notable cricketing career, playing in various formats of the game. He is known for playing first-class cricket for Sinhalese Sports Club and representing Sri Lanka in international cricket.
Regarding his personal life, as of the latest available information, Suraj Randiv is currently single. There isn’t much information available about his past relationships or any children. As for his family background, specific details about his parents or siblings have not been publicly disclosed.
Randiv converted from Islam to Buddhism, a change that aligns with several other cricketers who have changed their religion during their playing careers for various personal reasons.
After retiring from international cricket, Randiv migrated to Australia, where he continued to play cricket at a district level. He plays for Dandenong Cricket Club, affiliated with Victoria Premier Cricket. In December 2020, he was invited by Cricket Australia to serve as a net bowler for the Australian cricketers ahead of their home test series against India for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
Additionally, in a significant career shift, Suraj Randiv, along with fellow cricketers Chinthaka Jayasinghe and Waddington Mwayenga, now work as bus drivers in Melbourne, Australia, for a France-based company called Transdev. Despite this change in profession, Randiv continues to be involved in cricket, playing for local clubs and contributing to the sport in his new country.
Conclusion
Suraj Randiv’s journey is a poignant reminder of the transient nature of a sports career and the resilience needed to adapt to life’s unpredictable twists. His transition from the international cricketing spotlight to a bus driver in Melbourne, while continuing to nurture his passion for cricket at a district level, exemplifies a remarkable adaptability. This phase of Randiv’s life underscores an essential truth about professional athletes – their careers in sports, often short-lived, are just one part of their multifaceted lives. Randiv’s willingness to embrace change and find fulfillment in new avenues while maintaining his connection to cricket is both admirable and inspiring. It reflects the humility and versatility that athletes often need to navigate the complexities of life after professional sports.
Furthermore, Randiv’s story is a compelling narrative of personal transformation and growth. His move from Sri Lanka to Australia, and his subsequent career shift, speaks volumes about his ability to reinvent himself. It’s a testament to the human spirit’s capacity to adapt, overcome challenges, and find joy and purpose in new endeavors. His life, post his cricketing fame, is a narrative that resonates not just with sports enthusiasts but with anyone facing significant life changes. Suraj Randiv’s journey, marked by its highs and lows, its controversies and quiet successes, remains a source of inspiration and a reminder that life, much like cricket, is unpredictable and demands versatility and resilience.