Upul Tharanga Biography: Wife, Age, Net Worth, Height, ODI Centuries, Career

Upul Tharanga is a distinguished former professional cricketer and current cricket administrator, celebrated for his stylish left-handed batting and significant contributions to Sri Lankan cricket.

Known for his elegant stroke play and 15 ODI centuries, he played a key role in Sri Lanka’s ODI success. As the current chief selector for Sri Lanka’s men’s and women’s cricket teams, he continues to shape the sport’s future.

Profile

• Full Name: Warushavithana Upul Tharanga
• Stage Name: Upul Tharanga
• Born: February 2, 1985
• Age: 40 years old
• Birthplace: Balapitiya, Sri Lanka
• Nationality: Sri Lankan
• Occupation: Sri Lankan Cricket Administrator, Former Professional Cricketer
• Height: 5’11”
• Parents: Warushavithanage Bhadrasoma and R.J. Padma
• Siblings: Nuwan Tharanga (brother), and Kumesha Manori (sister)
• Spouse: Nilanka Tharanga
• Children: Resha Tharanga (daughter)
• Relationship: Married
• Net Worth:$1 million to $7 million

Early Life and Education

Upul Tharanga, a former professional cricketer, was born on February 2, 1985, in Balapitiya, Sri Lanka, to Warushavithanage Bhadrasoma, a fish market dealer, and R.J. Padma, a housewife. The youngest of three children, including brother Nuwan and sister Kumesha, he grew up in a modest Sinhalese Buddhist family.

His childhood was marked by the 2004 Asian tsunami, which destroyed his family home in Ambalangoda, leaving only the foundation. He attended Dharmasoka College in Ambalangoda, where his cricket talent emerged early, leading him to play for the school team and represent Sri Lanka’s Under-15, Under-17, and Under-19 squads.

Tharanga’s focus on cricket meant limited details about his higher education, as he pursued the sport professionally with Nondescripts Cricket Club from the age of 15. His ethnicity is Sinhalese, and his religion is Buddhism.

Career

Upul Tharanga, a former professional cricketer, is renowned for his flair as a left-handed opening batsman and occasional wicketkeeper. He debuted for Sri Lanka in an ODI against the West Indies in July 2005 and Tests against India in December 2005.

Tharanga played 31 Tests, scoring 1,754 runs at an average of 31.89 with two centuries, and 235 ODIs, amassing 6,951 runs at an average of 33.74 with 15 centuries, ranking fifth among Sri Lankan ODI centurions. His T20I career included 26 matches with 407 runs.

Notable performances include a career-best 174 not out against India in 2013 and 395 runs at the 2011 World Cup, with centuries against Zimbabwe (133) and England (102 not out). He holds the record for the first Sri Lankan to carry his bat in an ODI (112 not out vs. Pakistan, 2017).

As captain, he led Sri Lanka in ODIs and T20Is in 2017 but faced challenges, including three 5-0 ODI series losses and a two-match ban for slow over rates in the 2017 Champions Trophy. After retiring from international cricket in February 2021, he played in domestic T20 leagues and was appointed chief selector for Sri Lanka Cricket in 2023.

Social Media

• Instagram Handle: @upulthara44
• Facebook Handle: Upul Tharanga
• Twitter Handle: @upultharanga44

Personal Life

Upul Tharanga, a former professional cricketer, resides in Sri Lanka with his family. He married Nilanka Tharanga in 2010, and they have a daughter, Resha, born in 2012.

Standing at 5’11”, Tharanga is known for his calm demeanor and resilience, particularly after losing his family home to the 2004 tsunami, with teammate Kumar Sangakkara replacing his lost cricket gear. A devout Buddhist, he draws strength from his faith and maintains a private life focused on family and cricket administration.

Tharanga enjoys mentoring young cricketers and occasionally shares updates on his professional journey via social media. His commitment to rebuilding Sri Lankan cricket as chief selector reflects his dedication to the sport.

Filmography and Discography

Upul Tharanga, a former professional cricketer, has no known filmography or discography. His career has been centered on cricket and administration, with no ventures into cinema or music.

Net Worth

Upul Tharanga, a former professional cricketer, has an estimated net worth of $1 million to $7 million. His wealth stems from his 16-year international cricket career, including match fees, Sri Lanka Cricket contracts, and domestic T20 league earnings with teams like Kandurata Maroons and Sylhet Sixers. Endorsements and his role as chief selector for Sri Lanka Cricket since 2023 contribute to his income.