Upul Tharanga

In the lush cricketing landscapes of Sri Lanka, where talent and passion intertwine like the roots of its ancient Banyan trees, Upul Tharanga stands as a testament to the game’s enduring allure. Born on February 2, 1985, in the coastal serenity of Balapitiya, his journey is one of cricketing prowess, personal resilience, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. This article delves into the life of Upul Tharanga, a name synonymous with elegant strokes and unwavering dedication, tracing his path from the sandy shores of Balapitiya to the hallowed cricket grounds where legends are forged.

Tharanga’s saga is not just about the runs he scored or the records he broke; it’s a story that intertwines the personal and the professional in a tapestry rich with triumph and challenge. As we explore his early life, his ascent in the cricketing world, and the personal life that shaped him, we uncover the layers of a man who is more than just a cricketer. He is a son of Sri Lanka, a warrior of the willow, and a figure who has left an indelible mark on the sport. Join us on this journey to understand the man behind the batting helmet, the family ties that ground him, and the legacy he continues to build in the world of cricket.

Upul Tharanga Batting Career Stats

Career Information

Test debut vs India at Narendra Modi Stadium, Dec 18, 2005

Last Test vs India at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Aug 12, 2017

ODI debut vs West Indies at Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium, Aug 02, 2005

Last ODI vs South Africa at Newlands, Mar 16, 2019

T20 debut vs England at The Rose Bowl, Jun 15, 2006

Last T20 vs Bangladesh at R.Premadasa Stadium, Mar 16, 2018

Biography

Upul Tharanga’s journey began in the small town of Balapitiya, Sri Lanka. Born on February 2, 1985, Tharanga was cradled in a coastal environment, where the rhythm of the waves perhaps foreshadowed the rhythmic grace he would later display on the cricket field. His early life was rooted in a typical Sri Lankan setting, amidst the simplicity and challenges typical of a small town in the island nation.

Growing up, Tharanga’s educational path intertwined closely with his burgeoning cricketing talents. He attended Dharmasoka College in Ambalangoda, a school known for its emphasis on both academics and sports. Here, Tharanga not only pursued his studies but also honed his cricketing skills. It was during these formative years that his talent with the bat began to shine, marking him as a promising talent in school cricket circles.

The influence of his school coaches and the competitive school cricket environment in Sri Lanka played a significant role in shaping Tharanga’s early cricketing persona. Balancing his education with his passion for cricket, he managed to excel in both, laying a strong foundation for his future endeavors on and off the field.

Career Journey from First Debut to ODI Achievements

Upul Tharanga, a celebrated figure in Sri Lankan cricket, was born on February 2, 1985, at Balapitiya General Hospital. As the youngest child in his family, he grew up in a simple yet nurturing environment. His father, Warushavithanage Bhadrasoma, worked as a fish market dealer, while his mother, R.J Padma, was a devoted housewife. Upul shared his childhood with an elder brother, Nuwan Tharanga, and an elder sister, Kumesha Manori.

Unlike his brother Nuwan, who was inclined towards swimming, Upul was captivated by cricket from an early age. His academic journey began at Devananda College, Ambalangoda, where he showcased his academic prowess by passing the grade 5 scholarship in 1995. He then moved to Dharmasoka College, Ambalangoda, for his secondary education. However, his growing commitment to cricket, marked by numerous tours, meant that he couldn’t complete his advanced level education.

Tharanga’s cricketing journey was equally eventful. He joined Nondescripts Cricket Club at 15 and represented Sri Lanka in various junior categories, including the under-15, under-17, and under-19 squads. His performance peaked at the under-19 World Cup in 2004, where he delivered remarkable innings, scoring 117 and 61 in successive games. Recognizing his talent, the Sri Lankan cricket board sent him to play league cricket for Loughton Cricket Club in Essex.

In 2005, amidst the national tragedy of the 2004 Tsunami, which devastated his family home, Tharanga’s cricketing equipment was also lost. In an act of solidarity, fellow cricketer Kumar Sangakkara replaced his lost gear. This support, coupled with his undeniable talent, led to his advancement to the national “A” team and eventually to the full Sri Lankan squad in July of the same year.

In his international career, Tharanga became known for his exceptional batting skills. Notably, he was part of a record-breaking opening partnership and played crucial roles in various series. His ability to forge significant partnerships in ODI cricket set him apart, with Tharanga being involved in seven 200+ partnerships, a feat second only to Ricky Ponting globally. His ODI record is further embellished by being the fastest Sri Lankan to reach 4000 runs in the format.

Tharanga’s Test career also had its highlights, despite a period of scarcity. He made a notable comeback against Pakistan in 2015, filling in for the retiring Kumar Sangakkara. His record of the longest gap between two test centuries post-World War II stands as a testament to his perseverance and longevity in the sport.

As a captain, Tharanga led Sri Lanka through various challenges, including multiple 5-0 whitewashes in 2017, and faced personal setbacks such as suspensions due to slow over rates. Despite these challenges, he remained a respected figure in the cricketing community.

Tharanga’s career also experienced a significant setback when he was found guilty of a doping violation in 2011, following the World Cup semi-final. He served a three-month ban, having unintentionally ingested banned substances. This incident, while a blemish on his record, also highlighted the rigorous standards international athletes are held to.

Throughout his career, Tharanga has scored numerous centuries in both Test and ODI formats, showcasing his prowess as a batsman. His highest ODI score of 174 not out against India in 2013 is particularly memorable, marking him as one of Sri Lanka’s most accomplished cricketers.

Personal Life

Upul Tharanga’s wife, Nilanka Vithanage, plays a significant but somewhat private role in his life. Nilanka was previously married to Tillakaratne Dilshan, a former Sri Lankan cricketer and Tharanga’s team-mate and opening partner. From her marriage with Dilshan, Nilanka has a son named Resadu Tilakaratne. There have been rumors and speculations about the circumstances surrounding Nilanka’s marriage to Tharanga and her divorce from Dilshan, but these remain largely unsubstantiated gossip.

Aside from her personal life, Nilanka Vithanage has embarked on her entrepreneurial journey, owning an online store named loshi_drapesbynilanka​​​​​​. Her venture into business reflects a diverse persona, branching out beyond the shadow of her associations with prominent cricketers. Her life, intertwined with the world of cricket through her relationships, paints a picture of a woman navigating the complexities of personal and professional realms in the public eye.

Conclusion

Upul Tharanga’s journey through the realms of cricket is not just a story of personal achievement but a reflection of the indomitable spirit of Sri Lankan cricket. From the sandy beaches of Balapitiya to the pinnacle of international cricket, Tharanga’s career has been a blend of highs and lows, resilience, and perseverance. His elegant stroke play, record-setting partnerships, and leadership on the field have etched his name in the annals of cricket history.

Off the field, his life, marked by personal challenges and ventures into entrepreneurship, reveals the multifaceted nature of a sportsman in the modern era. Tharanga’s story is a compelling reminder of the human aspect behind the sports star, resonating with the struggles and triumphs familiar to us all.

As we reflect on Tharanga’s career, his contributions to Sri Lankan cricket, and his journey beyond the crease, it becomes evident that his legacy is not solely defined by the runs he scored or the matches he won. It is also sculpted by his resilience in the face of adversity, his commitment to his family, and his ongoing contributions to the sport. Upul Tharanga remains a celebrated figure in Sri Lankan cricket, a symbol of grace and determination, inspiring the next generation of cricketers and cricket enthusiasts worldwide. His story, much like a well-played innings, leaves a lasting impact that transcends the boundaries of the cricket field.