Umagiliya Durage Upul Chandana, widely known as Upul Chandana, is a former professional cricket player from Sri Lanka. Born on April 17, 1972, in Colombo, Chandana had a career that spanned over a decade where he made significant contributions in both batting and bowling.
Chandana’s cricketing journey took a positive turn in 2002 when he was given the opportunity to captain the Sri Lanka A team against Kenya. It was during this series that his skills started to flourish. His batting showed a newfound authority, and his bowling became more potent, topping both the batting and bowling averages in that unofficial Test series. Alongside his exceptional batting and bowling talent, Chandana was also known for his athleticism and fielding abilities, often making match-turning run-outs and sizzling aerial catches.
However, Chandana’s journey in national cricket teams was not a consistent one. He experienced being in and out of both the Test and one-day squads for several years, struggling to cement his place. Despite this, he made a breakthrough in the one-day team in mid-2003 with a match-winning innings at Bridgetown. His explosive qualities in the middle order made him a valuable asset in limited-overs games, while his bowling continued to improve, making him a solid choice for Test matches as well.
In 2004, Chandana faced a significant challenge when Muttiah Muralitharan withdrew from the Australian tour. This put extra responsibility on Chandana, and he rose to the occasion. His legbreaks, usually nagging rather than explosive, started to gain more venom. Moreover, his line and length tightened up, making him an important wicket-taker in the one-day team by the end of the Asia Cup in 2004.
Despite his initial success, Chandana’s form declined, leading to his exclusion from the national team late in 2005. He made an unexpected one-day appearance in July 2007 and announced his retirement soon after. Following his retirement, Chandana joined the unofficial Indian Cricket League, representing the Kolkata Tigers and ICL World XI.
An unfortunate ban was imposed on Chandana and four other Sri Lankan cricketers in 2008, preventing them from participating in professional cricket. However, in September 2008, the ban was lifted, allowing Chandana to resume playing domestic cricket in his homeland.
Chandana’s statistics throughout his career demonstrate his impact on the game. His all-around abilities made him a valuable player for Sri Lanka’s cricket team, and his contributions in both batting and bowling were crucial in various tournaments and matches.
After retiring from professional cricket, Chandana continues to be involved in the sport, sharing his knowledge and experience with younger generations. His dedication to the game and his remarkable skills have solidified his place in Sri Lankan cricket history.
