The India-Sri Lanka Test series will begin on August 15, with both teams focusing not only on batting and bowling but also on fielding. While Team India’s fielding has recently faced criticism, Sri Lanka has shown improvement in this department.

A major reason behind Sri Lanka’s fielding standards is their fielding coach Upul Chandana, who was himself known as one of the finest fielders during his playing days.

Chandana was part of the Sri Lankan team during the era of legends like Muttiah Muralitharan and Sanath Jayasuriya. Although he was not as dominant as these greats, his all-round abilities and sharp fielding skills often made him a valuable player whenever he got an opportunity.

Chandana’s Fielding Was His Biggest Strength

A talented leg-spinner and a useful lower-order batsman, Chandana made important contributions for Sri Lanka. He even achieved a memorable 10-wicket haul in a Test match on Australian soil.

However, he is remembered most for one of the greatest examples of fielding in cricket history.

During the 1998 Oval Test against England, Chandana came onto the field as a substitute fielder in the second innings. His brilliant direct throw dismissed England batter Alec Stewart.

While the run-out helped Sri Lanka, it also prevented Muralitharan from achieving a rare milestone. Stewart was the only wicket missing from Muralitharan’s attempt to take all 10 wickets in an innings.

163 International Matches and 188 Wickets

Chandana represented Sri Lanka in:

• 16 Test matches

• 147 ODI matches

Across his international career, he scored more than 2,200 runs and took 188 wickets. His fielding was also exceptional, with 86 catches to his name.

After retiring from international cricket in 2007, Chandana continued to remain connected with the game.

Earned in India, Fulfilled a Dream in Sri Lanka

After retirement, Chandana participated in the Indian Cricket League (ICL), where he played for the Kolkata Tigers.

The league was later banned by the BCCI, and Chandana also faced a one-year ban because of his involvement. However, his time in the ICL helped him earn around $60,000.

With this money, Chandana opened a sports shop in Sri Lanka — a dream he had always wanted to fulfill.

He once explained that opening the shop had been a personal goal, and the earnings from cricket helped him make that dream a reality.

From Player to Mentor

Today, Upul Chandana is helping shape Sri Lanka’s fielding unit as a coach. His experience as a player, his sharp cricketing skills, and his understanding of fielding have made him an important part of the team’s support staff ahead of the India series.