Ranathunga vs Sangakkara : Wolf vs Lion

Both are Sri Lankans. Both represented their country and captained the country in their respective times. Both were not out batting at the crease when Sri Lanka lifted their ICC trophies in 1996 and 2014. Also both were left handed batsman whom icon-ed that roaring SL Lion to a perfection. Gritty, Cunning and Confident, Both were. What on the earth could go wrong between these two?

Ranathunga was the first Sarong Jonny (He was called as that at SSC in his early days by a senior, because he was not from an Elite English school those days) to broke into SL team in early 80’s. He mentioned to have had lot of troubles those days with the culture existed. The strong character he still is, He went on to play Sri Lanka’s first test match scoring debut Sri Lankan half century in the first innings. Ranathunga didn’t stop there either. 14 year later, Sri Lanka went on to crown the world cup in 1996 under his Ultra self-confident leadership. Also after more than 15 years of retirement, Ranathunga still holds his own when it comes to finishers, par with Angelo Mathews in Sri Lankan history.

Meanwhile Sangakkara, batsman with the second most international runs in the history of cricket, started slowly but steadily. He debut in 2000(Sanath Jayasuiriya – captain) in the aftermath of 1999 world cup first round exit under the same Arjuna Ranathunga. Found by former 1996 world cup winning coach Dev Whatmore, just after breaking a dressing room window on the way to 150+ score vs touring Zimbabwe A team, Elegant and World Class Sangakkara went on to secure his place among the all-time greats of the games. He is the batsman with the best average among his contemporary greats. As a pure batsman, He has reached the heights only Sir Donald Bradman surpassed, averaging over 65 over 8000 test runs. Sri Lanka climbed to 2009 World t20 final in his debut tournament as the national captain. Two years later, they’ve reached the final of 2011 World cup in his last tournament as the captain. Captained two ICC events and we almost won both of them only to be beaten by the better side on the day. Sangakkara didn’t stop there either. Being the only Sangakkara you could ever imagine, He delivered that famous MCC lecture in 2011 which was a beautiful listen about the history of Sri Lanka and its cricket. Also like Ranathunga, in 2014, Sangakkara crowned as a world champion too, with the man of match award in the final of world t20.

These two share lot of Sri Lankan similarities, cricketing similarities and a similar history, yet far from being the same influence to the future of Sri Lankan cricket. They are like the twin brothers who got lost when they were little, one was taken care by a Royal family while other was grown up at a burglar’s home, but became Sri Lankan captains over the time. So much alike, yet so different.

Ranathunga is more gifted, Sangakkara is more hard working. Ranathunga is more self-obsessed, Sangakkara is more self-forgetful. It’s apparent in their manner, whether it is at a press conference or at a function or in day to day life.

There is not a tiny little doubt that both, Ranathunga’s and Sanagakkara’s, own ways of thinking and acting did many wonders in the cricket field.  Won us many trophies and brought invaluable joy and glory to Sri Lankan fans. But as it was apparent with building up to 99 World cup, as it was apparent with his untimely retirement, Ranathunga’s Self-obsessed manner is not going to help any kind of future in any field.  Future should be looked at with a wider eye, focusing on players hair do or tattoo won’t improve their cricket.

Ranathunga’s latest allegations against Charlie Austin and Sanga-Mahela combination are not so different. Accusing two of the legends of the game, without being able to provide any proof is a crime itself. He is being repeatedly doing this for years now, since IPL issue happened in his stint as the SLC president. But the latest comments he made about 2011 World cup final was utterly cheap to say the least.

Sanagakkara and Mahela were patient as any other genuine gentlemen at first, but with the latest comments about Austin and 2011 World cup final, Cunning and Smart Ranathunga may have over stepped for the first time in his life including his cricketing career. Sangakkara and Mahela’s latest interviews were really good proof that they may not just let this go this time. If that happens, Sri Lankan fans will hopefully be able to see the real wolf under the Lion skin, very soon.

                                                                                                                          - C.A.