Vidath Ranasinghe, full name Weragama Ranasinghe Lekamalage Vidath Rithmina Ranasinghe, (born 29th March 2011 (Age 13)), is a cricketer from Matara, Sri Lanka. He is a right-handed batsman and bowls right-arm leg break. Vidath is an all-rounder from Sri Lanka and Australia, and he plays for the Dapto Canaries in the Illawarra Cricket Competition.

Early Life and Background

Vidath Ranasinghe was born in Matara, Sri Lanka and moved to Australia at the age of three. Growing up in Australia, he developed a passion for cricket, a sport deeply ingrained in both his Sri Lankan heritage and his new Australian home.

Cricket Career

Vidath Ranasinghe plays for the Illawarra NSW cricket team in Australia. He is known for his skills as a right-hand leg break bowler. His talent and dedication to the sport have been evident since his early days in the junior leagues.

Ranasinghe's cricketing prowess caught the attention of Udara Jayasundara, a renowned Sri Lankan cricketer. Under Jayasundara's guidance, Ranasinghe has honed his skills and developed into a formidable bowler. His coach's influence has been significant in shaping his technique and understanding of the game.

Coaching and Mentorship

Udara Jayasundara, a celebrated cricketer from Sri Lanka, has played a crucial role in Ranasinghe's development. Jayasundara's experience and insights into the game have provided Ranasinghe with a solid foundation and advanced training in leg spin bowling.

Personal Life

While much of his focus is on cricket, Vidath Ranasinghe also balances his personal life and education, embodying the spirit of a dedicated athlete committed to achieving excellence both on and off the field. He attends Edmund Rice College in Wollongong, where he excels academically and athletically.

In addition to his cricket career, Ranasinghe is a talented NSW state runner in cross country, showcasing his versatility and dedication to sports. His achievements extend beyond the field and track; he also won the Tournament of Minds International Final, demonstrating his intellectual prowess and ability to excel in various domains.

Vidath Ranasinghe's commitment to balancing his sporting ambitions with his education and extracurricular activities highlights his well-rounded character and determination to succeed in all aspects of life.

Legacy and Impact

Vidath Ranasinghe continues to represent the Illawarra NSW with distinction and aims to make significant contributions to his team and the broader cricketing community in Australia. His journey from Sri Lanka to becoming a prominent cricketer in Australia serves as an inspiration to many young athletes.

References

1. Even, Marlene. "Edmund Rice College and Smith's Hill High School blitz international Tournament of Minds competition," *South Coast Register/ Illawarra Mecury*, October 26, 2023.

2. Cricket Australia. "In Conversation with Vidath Ranasinghe: A Promising All-Rounder," *Cricket Australia TV*, January 20, 2024.

3. "Player Profiles: Vidath Ranasinghe," Illawarra Cricket Association.

4. Jayasundara, Udara. "Mentoring the Next Generation: Vidath Ranasinghe," *Sri Lanka Cricket Weekly*, December 30, 2023.

5. Edmund Rice College. "Student Spotlight: Vidath Ranasinghe Excels in Sports and Academics," Edmund Rice College Newsletter, March 2024.

6. Harris, Emily. "Vidath Ranasinghe: A Young Talent Making Waves," * Illawarra Academy of Sport Logo*, February 18, 2024.

7. Patel, Arjun. "Vidath Ranasinghe: The Future of Cricket," *Cricket Today Magazine*, November 22, 2023.

8. "Cross Country Champion and Cricket Star: The Multifaceted Vidath Ranasinghe," *NSW Athletics Journal*, January 5, 2024.

9. Smith, John. "Rising Star: Vidath Ranasinghe's Impact on Australian Junior Cricket," *The Sydney Morning Herald*, April 10, 2024.