Future Focus: Ratnayake Bids Farewell as Women’s Cricket Gains Momentum

Rumesh Ratnayake played a pivotal role in securing Sri Lanka’s historic first Test victory in 1985. Even after four decades, he vividly recalls how he outwitted a formidable Indian batting lineup, which included legends like Sunil Gavaskar, Dilip Vengsarkar, and Mohinder Amarnath, during the match in Colombo.

Known for sporting a white headband, Ratnayake delivered impressive figures, taking four wickets for 76 runs and five for 49, leading Sri Lanka to a memorable 149-run win in the second Test of the series. Sri Lanka ultimately claimed a 1-0 series victory in the three-match contest.

Reflecting on the series, Ratnayake noted, “We prepared wickets favorable for pace, which was our strategy, though we wouldn’t have done that against a team like Pakistan.”

In that series, Gavaskar opted to bat in the middle-order, with K. Srikkanth, newcomer Lalchand Rajput, and Ravi Shastri opening for India. “India’s batting lineup back then was exceptional, with players like Gavaskar, Amarnath, and the elegantly powerful Vengsarkar,” Ratnayake remarked during Sri Lanka’s women’s T20I series against India. The final match of this series is anticipated to be his last as coach.

“I’m committed to staying involved with the Sri Lankan cricket system,” Ratnayake stated, “though my exact role is uncertain.”

Three years prior, he stepped in as coach during a challenging period for the team. Under his guidance, they triumphed over South Africa in a T20I series in South Africa and achieved wins against England in England, culminating in a stunning victory over India in the Asia Cup final.

“I was new to women’s cricket when I took the job, only accepting it after Hashan Tillakaratne, my friend and the previous coach, transitioned to coaching the Bangladesh team,” said Ratnayake, who boasts a record of 149 wickets in 23 Tests and 70 ODIs. “I recognized the team’s potential and instilled confidence in them. I wasn’t overly critical when they erred, like missing a catch. Our first match under my coaching saw us defeat South Africa in the 2023 T20I World Cup.”

Ratnayake observes that women’s cricket is rapidly evolving. “The sixes in women’s cricket today rival those hit by men three decades ago,” he commented.

Published on January 2, 2026.