Arjuna Ranatunga is a famous Sri Lankan cricketer. He was born on December 1, 1963. He led Sri Lanka to win the 1996 Cricket World Cup. This news comes from updates as of December 16, 2025.
Early Life
Arjuna Ranatunga grew up in Gampaha, Sri Lanka. His family had links to politics. He started playing cricket at a young age. He went to school where he learned the game well. Cricket was his passion from childhood. He was not very tall. He stood at 5 feet 8 inches. But he was strong and heavy. He weighed about 90 kg. People called him stocky. He loved the game. He practiced hard every day. His build did not stop him. He ran slow sometimes. But he hit the ball with power.
He came from a big family. Many brothers played cricket too. This helped him a lot. They trained together. He learned team spirit early. Sri Lanka was new to big cricket then. Arjuna dreamed big. He wanted to make his country proud. School matches made him shine. Teachers saw his talent. He scored many runs in local games. This opened doors for him. By age 18, he was ready for big stages.
Arjuna Ranatunga Age, Height, Wikipedia, Biography, Net Worth, Wife, Family
Career
Arjuna made his Test debut in 1982. It was Sri Lanka's first Test match ever. He played against England. The ground was P. Sara Oval. He was just 18 years old. He scored 50 runs on debut. That was a half-century. He shared a 99-run stand with Ranjan Madugalle. This made history. He became the first Sri Lankan to score a fifty in Tests. Fans cheered loud. He felt like a hero. In One Day Internationals, he did well too. He batted in the middle order. His style was brave. He took risks. He drove the ball through covers. That was his best shot. He ran singles even if slow. Teammates helped him. He took 16 wickets in Tests too. But batting was his strength. He played 93 Tests. He scored 5105 runs. His average was 35.69. These numbers show his skill.
Sri Lanka was weak then. They lost many games. Arjuna never gave up. He fought hard. He learned from losses. This made him tough. He became a key player fast. Selectors trusted him. He played for his country with pride.
Rise to Captaincy
In 1988, Arjuna became captain. He was young for the job. He led for 11 years. Sri Lanka was not strong. They lost often. Arjuna changed that. He built a winning team. He picked good players. He backed them. He taught them to fight. Slowly, the team grew strong. In 1992 World Cup, he shone. Sri Lanka chased 313 runs against Zimbabwe. Arjuna scored 88 not out. It was the first time any team chased over 300 in ODIs. Fans went wild. He showed belief. His team could win big chases. This boosted confidence. Arjuna de Silva was captain then. But Arjuna's knock was key.
He led in 193 ODIs. Won 89 matches. Lost 95. Drew or no result in rest. In Tests, 56 matches as captain. 12 wins. 19 losses. 25 draws. Not perfect stats. But he changed the team. From underdogs to winners. He used smart plans. He fought umpires if needed. He stood for his team.
1996 World Cup Glory
The 1996 World Cup was his peak. Sri Lanka was not favorite. Experts gave little chance. Arjuna led with fire. He picked stars like Sanath Jayasuriya. He made them openers. This shocked rivals. Jayasuriya hit big shots early. Team scored fast. Arjuna planned well. They reached the final. Against Australia. At Lahore. Sri Lanka batted second. Australia made 241. Rain helped Sri Lanka. Revised target was 177 in 47 overs. Arjuna batted at number 7. He scored 47 not out. He hit the winning boundary. Sri Lanka won by 7 wickets. World Cup in hands. Arjuna lifted the trophy. Tears of joy. Whole nation partied.
His captaincy was praised. Greats like Clive Lloyd liked it. Teams copied his ideas. He made Sri Lanka a force. After World Cup, they won more. In 1998, first Test win in England. Ten-wicket victory. First series win there too. Arjuna was first captain to do it. Pride for Sri Lanka. He retired from Tests in 1999. But played ODIs till 2000. Left a legacy. Pioneer of Sri Lankan rise.
Personality
Arjuna was not fast. He walked runs sometimes. Critics joked about his weight. But he scored runs. He ticked the scoreboard. Drove elegantly off-side. Took on bowlers. Brave heart. He argued with umpires. Famous for it. Once sent a sub fielder for ice in Australia. Showed guts. Loved his team. Backed players like Murali. Fought for underdogs. Off field, he was leader. Spoke his mind. No fear. This made enemies too. But fans loved him. Stocky build hid big heart. He inspired many. Young boys copied him.
Politics
After cricket, Arjuna joined politics. His family had roots there. In 2010, he joined Democratic Party. Later with DNA. Resigned in 2012. But stayed active. In 2015, backed Maithripala Sirisena. Sirisena won. Arjuna became Minister of Highways, Ports and Shipping. He worked on big projects. Roads and ports improved. He left UPFA earlier. Joined opposition. Fought for change. Got Deshamanya award. High honor in Sri Lanka. Politics suited his bold style. He spoke against corruption. Wanted better for people. Cricket fans followed him there too.
Personal Life
Arjuna has a wife and kids. Family supports him. Brothers Dammika and Nishantha played cricket. Family bond strong. He lives simple life. Cricket and politics keep him busy. Now older, he watches games. Gives advice sometimes. Legend status firm.
Legacy Today
Arjuna changed Sri Lanka cricket. From weak to world beaters. 1996 win still talked. On December 16, 2025, his story inspires. Young players learn from him. Captaincy lessons timeless. Bold, smart, fearless. Sri Lanka owes him much. His records stand. Over 5000 Test runs. World Cup hero. Minister too. Full life. Fans remember the winning hit. Boundary that shook world. Arjuna Ranatunga lives in hearts.