This pinch hitter from 1996 worked as insurance executive, made Indians cry in 1996 World Cup semifinal

by
romeshkoliwthrana

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T20I cricket has redefined cricket. It’s no more waiting game. Players like KL Rahul, who used to say that “Strike rate is overrated in T20I cricket”, has also admitted to go from ball one as the right approach to play T20I cricket.

But long before T20I cricket, batsman used to follow cautious approach in first 15 overs in ODI cricket too, which was changed for better by cricketers who redefined cricket.

While one of the cricketer is currently coaching Sri Lanka, Sanath Jayasuriya. It was his partner in crime at the non striker end, Romesh Kaluwitharana, who redefined what “pinch hitting” really meant on cricket field.

In 1996 Wills World cup, Romesh made 26 of 16 balls along with Jayasuriya 79, that took Sri Lanka home in the high chase of 271 runs. He was also behind the famous Sri Lanka victory in semifinals against India at Eden Garden, when he stumped out Sachin on Jayasuriya bowling, to end India chance of getting closer to the World Cup title.

But a cricketer’s life take all sorts of turns after the cricketing career is over.

After retiring, Romesh Kaluwitharana shifted into business life, including a corporate role as Insurance executive with Sri Lanka Insurance, and hospitality. He also owns “Kalu’s Hideaway,” a small lodge near Udawalawe National Park that caters to safari travelers.

He also had a fearful incident once travelling in Jungle with his family when an elephant herd charged his vehicle while he was out with his family; with the escape route too narrow, he waited motionless until the animals calmed, later calling it “a lot more frightful than facing deadly fast bowlers.”

He also had some coaching stints, coaching Malaysian team and some in house roles at Colts Cricket Club in Sri Lanka.

The 55 year old cricketer finished his career with 3711 runs in 189 matches at a modest average with 2 hundred and 23 fifties to his name. While the figures are modest, the impact he had in the starting of the innings with Sanath Jayasuriya redefined cricket for Sri Lanka and fans, and gave fans more high scoring games and thrilling starts to the matches.

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