Former Sri Lanka captain Arjuna Ranatunga has made a big claim, saying that his 1996 World Cup-winning squad would have defeated India in three days. The Men in Blue were undefeated in a red-ball series at home since 2012 before New Zealand thumped them by 3-0 in 2024.
Ranatunga was Sri Lanka’s captain in 56 Tests, seven of which were against India. The team lost four and drew three. All four defeats were by an innings, including a 0-3 whitewash in 1994.
Meanwhile, the 1996 World Cup team of Sri Lanka had players like Sanath Jayasuriya, Aravinda de Silva, Chaminda Vaas, and Muttiah Muralitharan. The visiting team defeated India in the semi-final at Eden Gardens.
“My team has bowlers like Chaminda Vaas and Muttiah Muralitharan and we would have defeated India in India in three days,” he told the telegraph.
Sri Lanka haven’t won a Test in India despite playing 22 five-day matches. They have lost 13, and nine have ended in draws. The last tour was in 2022, with India winning 2-0.
Sri Lanka lost to Australia 0-2 in the recently contested Test series at home. The visitors were superior across departments and didn’t allow the hosts to dominate the proceedings. Sri Lanka are struggling in international cricket and didn’t qualify for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in Pakistan and Dubai.