Herath Mudiyanselage Rangana Keerthi Bandara Herath, commonly known as Rangana Herath, is a former professional cricket player from Sri Lanka. Born on March 19, 1978, in Kurunegala, Sri Lanka, Herath is an orthodox left-arm spinner who made a name for himself as one of the best bowlers in the history of Sri Lankan cricket.
Following in the footsteps of the legendary spinner Muttiah Muralitharan, Herath took over the responsibility of being Sri Lanka’s main wicket-taking bowler in Test cricket. Known for his accuracy and the ability to bowl long spells, he added a “mystery” delivery to his repertoire, a quicker ball that darts back into the right-hander.
In the early years of his career, Herath played the supporting role to Muralitharan, but he still had his moments of glory. One such memorable performance was against Pakistan in 2009, where he took 4 for 15, leading Sri Lanka to an improbable victory as Pakistan collapsed for 117 while chasing a target of 168. During this period, his primary role was to create pressure on the batsmen and block the runs, allowing Muralitharan to work his magic from the other end.
After Muralitharan’s retirement, Herath emerged as Sri Lanka’s go-to bowler. His unwavering accuracy combined with the ability to subtly vary his pace and flight made him an asset even on challenging overseas pitches where spinners traditionally struggled. In 2011-12, during Sri Lanka’s tour to South Africa, Herath played a pivotal role in their historic Test win with a match haul of 9 for 128. He continued his impressive form in the following season during the tour of Australia, where he took wickets and kept the runs in check when the fast bowlers struggled.
Herath’s outstanding performances were not limited to just a couple of seasons. In 2012, he topped the list of leading wicket-takers in Tests, claiming a remarkable 60 wickets at an average of 23.61. This accomplishment firmly established him as one of the best left-arm spinners in the world and proved that he had stepped out of Muralitharan’s shadow.
Throughout his career, Herath exhibited extraordinary skill, perseverance, and a strong work ethic. His ability to deceive batsmen with subtle variations in his bowling made him a nightmare for opposition teams. Often operating in a defensive role, he played a vital part in containing runs and building pressure, allowing other bowlers to thrive.
Retiring from international cricket in 2018, Herath left behind a legacy that will be remembered in Sri Lankan cricket for generations to come. His dedication and contributions to the sport have made him an icon of the game, inspiring young cricketers to follow in his footsteps.
Off the field, Herath is known for his humble and down-to-earth nature. Despite achieving immense success, he remains a modest and respected figure within the cricketing fraternity. His remarkable career has earned him the status of a cricketing legend, and his name will forever be etched in the history of Sri Lankan cricket.
