In what was meant to be a grand farewell for Angelo Mathews at Galle, it was a fresh face that quietly stole the show before the lunch break on Day 1. Tharindu Rathnayake, a 29-year-old making his Test debut, turned heads by striking twice in the early session against Bangladesh removing Shadman Islam and the dangerous Mominul Haque with sharp, controlled spin.Rathnayake didn’t just make an entry he made a statement.
An Unconventional Spinner With a Rare Skill
Born in Maravila,Tharindu Rathnayake isn’t some overnight breakout. He’s been a quiet force in Sri Lanka’s domestic circuit for nearly ten years. What truly sets him apart? He’s ambidextrous capable of bowling left-arm orthodox spin as his main weapon but also switching to right-arm off-spin with control and accuracy. This dual-spin ability is extremely rare in cricket and offers Sri Lanka a strategic advantage, especially in turning conditions.
A Look at His Domestic Dominance
Rathnayake began his first-class journey in 2015 with the Sinhalese Sports Club and has been a reliable performer across formats. Let’s break down his numbers:
First-Class Cricket
- Matches: 73
- Wickets: 337
- Average: 29.30
- Five-Wicket Hauls: 26
- Best Figures: 9/65
- 10-Wicket Match Hauls: 5
- Runs Scored: 1,761
- Fifties: 9
- Highest Score: 86
List A (50-Over Format):
- Wickets: 122
- Known for his consistency and smart variations.
T20 Format
- Wickets: 73
- Economy Rate: Just above 6 impressive control in the shortest format.
A Handy Lower-Order Batter
Rathnayake is far from a one-dimensional cricketer. With over 1,700 runs in first-class cricket and several gritty fifties, he brings batting depth that can prove valuable in tight Test scenarios. He may not be a top-order hitter, but he’s no easy tailender either.
Delayed Call-Up, Perfect Timing
Despite his strong domestic record, Rathnayake had to wait until age 29 for his big break. Some might say it came late but perhaps it came right on time. On a turning track at Galle, during a high-emotion match, he didn’t just fill in he fit right in. His calm under pressure and ability to make an immediate impact suggest Sri Lanka may have found a game-changer.
Can He Be Sri Lanka’s Next Spin Mainstay?
For a team always on the lookout for the next spin spearhead post-Herath, Rathnayake’s ambidextrous gifts and maturity could be the missing piece. Given his domestic pedigree and unique skillset,he might not just fill gaps he could shape future victories.
Final Thoughts: One Game, Big Impression
Tharindu Rathnayake waited years to wear the Sri Lankan Test cap, but when his time came, he made it unforgettable. While Angelo Mathews’ farewell rightly drew the headlines, Rathnayake’s breakthrough may just be the long-term takeaway from this match. A bowler who can spin it both ways, contribute with the bat, and stay calm on debut? That’s not just promise that’s pedigree.
Written by: Ritesh Singh
