📖 Chapter : 1995-96, Muralitharan’s bowling action controversy
In the mid-90s, Sri Lankan spinner Muttiah Muralitharan was on the rise. But as he tore through batting line-ups, controversy followed. During a tour in Australia, umpire Darrell Hair called him out for “chucking” — questioning the legality of his bowling action.
It was a defining moment — not just for Murali, but for cricket.
Many expected Sri Lanka to crumble under pressure. But then came Arjuna Ranatunga, the captain with a spine of steel and the heart of a warrior. When the umpires no-balled Murali mid-match, Arjuna did the unthinkable: he stopped the game.
He walked off with his team, refusing to resume unless the match referee intervened. The cricket world had never seen such defiance. But for Arjuna, it wasn’t rebellion — it was justice. He stood by his man, shielded him from a storm of criticism, and made it clear: no one messes with my team.
Ranatunga’s courage not only saved Muralitharan’s career but also changed how cricket handled biomechanical analysis. Murali went on to become the highest wicket-taker in Test history — and it all began with one captain’s refusal to back down.