Roshan Siriwardene Mahanama, a renowned Sri Lankan cricket player, was born on May 31, 1966. Mahanama was a proficient right-hand opening batter and an exceptional fielder, who left an indelible mark on the cricket world during his illustrious career. Best known for his record-breaking second-wicket partnership of 576 runs with Sanath Jayasuriya in a Test match against India in 1997, Mahanama’s contributions to Sri Lankan cricket were truly remarkable.
Mahanama began his cricket journey 11 years before his remarkable display against India. Throughout his career, Mahanama displayed great determination, skill, and focus, which contributed to his numerous achievements. In 1992, against New Zealand at home, Mahanama scored his first Test hundreds, making 153 and 109 in consecutive matches. The following year, he showcased his resilience and determination by producing a gritty innings of 151, lasting close to nine hours, against India in Colombo, ultimately saving the Test match for his team.
The 1992 World Cup marked another significant milestone in Mahanama’s career. During the tournament, he displayed his immense talent and consistency by scoring three consecutive fifties against Zimbabwe, New Zealand, and South Africa. In the 1996 World Cup, Mahanama once again played a crucial role in Sri Lanka’s triumph, contributing a key fifty in the semi-final against India at the Eden Gardens. His performances throughout the tournament were commendable, and he ended the season with 721 runs from 23 innings, averaging close to 40. A standout moment during that period was his unbeaten knock of 119 against Zimbabwe in 1994, followed by another century, scoring 108 against the same opposition in the subsequent game.
However, after the disappointing performance of the Sri Lankan team in the 1999 World Cup, Mahanama was unjustly dropped from the side, allegedly to make way for younger talent, despite several older players finding a place in the team. Frustrated by the decision, Mahanama decided to retire from international cricket. In 2004, he ventured into a new role as an ICC match-referee, following in the footsteps of his former teammate Ranjan Madugalle.
Mahanama’s cricketing achievements and significant contributions to the sport did not go unnoticed. In 1997, he received Sri Lanka’s highest sporting honor, the Deshabandu award, in recognition of his outstanding performances and commitment to cricket. Additionally, he published his autobiography, “Retired Hurt,” offering insights into his cricketing journey and experiences.
Roshan Mahanama, with his exceptional batting skills and unmatched fielding abilities, remains a revered figure in Sri Lankan cricket. His record-breaking partnerships, incredible centuries, and consistent performances have etched his name in the annals of cricketing history. Even though his international playing days might be behind him, his contributions to the sport continue as he imparts his knowledge and expertise as an ICC match-referee.
