Former captain of Sri Lanka and World Cup champion, Arjuna Ranatunga, has recently caught the public's eye with his impressive weight loss, appearing significantly fitter and leaner than during his cricketing career.
Ranatunga, who led Sri Lanka in both ODI and Test formats, was instrumental in the team's historic 1996 World Cup victory against Australia at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. His robust physique was a notable aspect of his leadership and presence on the field.
Since retiring in 1999, Ranatunga has remained active in cricket and public life, taking on various roles in administration, commentary, and politics, while staying connected to the sport he helped to elevate.
A New Look for a Cricket Legend
In recent years, Arjuna Ranatunga has undergone a significant transformation in his weight. His latest images reveal a much leaner and fitter version of himself, making him almost unrecognizable compared to his earlier days when he was known for his stocky build.
A photo shared by Sanath Jayasuriya on his social media account went viral, showcasing Ranatunga in a red kurta alongside his former teammates, Jayasuriya, Aravinda de Silva, and Muthiah Muralitharan. While his teammates appeared much the same, Ranatunga's transformation stood out remarkably.
Last year, he underwent bariatric surgery at Lanka Hospitals Bariatric Centre to tackle long-standing health issues. This procedure has effectively addressed problems such as sleep apnea, high blood pressure, pre-diabetes, and polycythemia.
Post-surgery, Ranatunga has embraced a healthier lifestyle, leading to significant improvements in his overall health and fitness.
Fans React to the Transformation
The internet has been buzzing with reactions to Arjuna Ranatunga's dramatic weight loss, with many fans expressing disbelief at how different he looks compared to his former self.
On social media, cricket fans have shared their astonishment at Ranatunga's transformation, with numerous comments highlighting the extent of his change.
"I still have a hard time believing that’s Arjuna in the red… it is, right?" - Neeran Karnik
"Looks like Ranatunga played the reverse UNO card after retirement." - Amit Ulhas Badkar
Ranatunga's legacy as one of Sri Lanka's finest captains is further solidified by his support for players like Muthiah Muralitharan during his early career controversies.
As of now, he ranks as the eighth leading run-scorer for Sri Lanka in international cricket, with a total of 12,561 runs, including 8 centuries and 87 fifties, at an average of 35.78 across 362 matches.
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