Early Life and Education
Eric Upashantha was born on June 10, 1972, in Kurunegala, Sri Lanka. He showed an early interest in cricket and began playing at a young age. Upashantha attended Maliyadeva College in Kurunegala, where he honed his skills on the cricket field.
Professional Career
Upashantha made his debut in first-class cricket in 1990, playing for the Sinhalese Sports Club. He quickly made a name for himself as a talented all-rounder, with the ability to both bat and bowl effectively. His performances caught the attention of national selectors, and he was soon called up to represent Sri Lanka at the international level.
International Success
Upashantha made his international debut for Sri Lanka in 1993, playing in a Test match against India. He went on to have a successful career representing his country in both Test matches and One Day Internationals. Upashantha was known for his aggressive batting style and his ability to take crucial wickets with his medium pace bowling.
Achievements and Records
During his career, Upashantha achieved several notable milestones. He scored over 3000 runs in Test cricket and took more than 100 wickets. In One Day Internationals, he scored over 2000 runs and took over 50 wickets. Upashantha was also known for his exceptional fielding skills, taking numerous catches and effecting crucial run-outs.
Retirement and Coaching Career
Upashantha retired from international cricket in 2005, after a successful career spanning over a decade. Following his retirement, he transitioned into coaching and mentoring young cricketers. Upashantha has worked with various age-group teams in Sri Lanka, helping to develop the next generation of cricketing talent.
Coaching Philosophy
Upashantha believes in the importance of hard work, dedication, and discipline in achieving success in cricket. He stresses the fundamentals of the game, such as technique, strategy, and mental toughness. Upashantha works closely with young players to help them improve their skills and reach their full potential.
Legacy
Eric Upashantha is remembered as one of Sri Lanka’s finest cricketers, known for his skill, determination, and sportsmanship. His contributions to the game have inspired a new generation of players to follow in his footsteps. Upashantha’s legacy lives on through the players he has coached and mentored, who continue to uphold the values he instilled in them.
Recognition and Awards
Throughout his career, Upashantha received numerous accolades and awards for his outstanding performances on the cricket field. He was named Player of the Series on multiple occasions and was also recognized for his contributions to the sport both on and off the field. Upashantha’s achievements have solidified his place as a cricketing legend in Sri Lanka.
Personal Life
Off the field, Upashantha is known for his humility and generosity. He is actively involved in charitable work, supporting causes that are close to his heart. Upashantha is also a devoted family man, balancing his coaching duties with spending time with his loved ones.
Philanthropic Work
Upashantha has used his platform as a former cricketer to raise awareness for various social issues and support those in need. He has organized charity matches and fundraisers to benefit underprivileged communities and individuals. Upashantha’s commitment to giving back has earned him respect both within the cricketing community and beyond.
