In Conversation with Andrew Fidel Fernando about Arjuna Ranatunga and the 1996 WC

Andrew Fidel Fernando is the podcast guest this week. He has been a prolific writer for Espn Cricinfo and Cricket Monthly over the last decade. Fernando has this rare ability to connect with the reader and this clearly carries over when he speaks about the glorious past of Sri Lankan cricket. In this episode we take a look back at Sri Lanka's rise in world cricket. And there is no better period to analyse this than the Arjuna Ranatunga years. Fernando shares a detailed account of Ranatunga the man and the player. Ranatunga was a complex figure if viewed from an international lens and the podcast helps understand the dynamics of his leadership and his unique approach to cricket. Fernando also talks about the Duleep Mendis influence on the fortunes of this team that rose to the pinnacle in Lahore in 1996. No conversation about that run would be complete without mentioning Aravinda De Silva's role in the knockout games of that World cup. Fernando bridged the gap in this episode for any younger fan who wants to learn more about the Ranatunga years and at the same time it is a treat for any fan who watched it unfold in their time.