Births on April 17

Muttiah Muralitharan, Sri Lankan cricketer

Deshabandu Muttiah Muralitharan (Tamil: முத்தையா முரளிதரன், Sinhala: මුත්තයියා මුරලිදරන්, Malayalam: മുத்தയ്യ മുരളීധරൻ), often affectionately known simply as "Murali," is a towering figure in the world of cricket. Born on April 17, 1972, in Kandy, Sri Lanka, he is not only a former professional cricketer but also a respected cricket coach, a successful businessman, and a distinguished member of the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame. The honorific "Deshabandu" signifies a high national accolade in Sri Lanka, reflecting his immense contribution and status in his homeland. Muralitharan's career statistics paint a picture of unparalleled dominance, averaging over six wickets per Test match, a testament to his incredible skill and effectiveness on the pitch. He is widely celebrated as arguably the greatest and most successful bowler to ever grace international cricket, holding numerous records that underscore his unique place in the sport's history.

A Legacy of Unmatched Records

Muralitharan's statistical achievements are truly extraordinary and set him apart from his peers. He stands alone as the only bowler in the annals of Test cricket to claim a staggering 800 wickets, a monumental milestone achieved with his very last ball in his final Test match. Beyond the traditional five-day format, his prowess extended to One Day Internationals (ODIs), where he accumulated over 530 wickets. As of March 2022, his combined tally of international wickets surpasses that of any other bowler in history, solidifying his status as a record-breaker across all formats of the game.

His sustained excellence saw him hold the coveted number one position in the International Cricket Council's player rankings for Test bowlers for an astonishing 1,711 days, spanning an incredible 214 Test matches. This prolonged period at the pinnacle speaks volumes about his consistency and impact. Muralitharan first etched his name as the highest wicket-taker in Test cricket in 2004 when he surpassed the formidable Courtney Walsh's tally of 519 wickets. However, a shoulder injury later that year saw him briefly overtaken by the legendary Australian leg-spinner Shane Warne. The rivalry between these two titans of spin bowling captivated fans globally. Muralitharan reclaimed the top spot on December 3, 2007, when he surpassed Warne's record, cementing his place at the summit. His record-breaking spree wasn't limited to Tests; on February 5, 2009, in Colombo, he overtook Wasim Akram's ODI record of 502 wickets by dismissing Gautam Gambhir, becoming the leading wicket-taker in both formats. He eventually retired from Test cricket on July 22, 2010, marking his departure in the most dramatic fashion by securing his 800th and final wicket with the very last delivery of his illustrious Test career.

Navigating Controversy: The Bowling Action

Despite his unparalleled success, Muralitharan's international career was frequently overshadowed by considerable controversy concerning his unique bowling action. His arm, congenitally bent from birth, exhibited an unusual hyperextension during the delivery stride. This distinctive physical characteristic led to his action being called into question on several occasions by on-field umpires and, subsequently, by sections of the wider cricket community. Critics often perceived his action as 'chucking,' a term for an illegal delivery where the elbow is straightened during the ball's release.

The recurring scrutiny prompted thorough investigations by the International Cricket Council (ICC). Groundbreaking biomechanical analyses, conducted under simulated playing conditions, meticulously examined the nuances of his delivery. These comprehensive studies ultimately clarified that the perceived 'straightening' was, in fact, an optical illusion caused by his unique congenital condition and the hyperextension of his arm, which was within the permissible limits set by the ICC for bent-arm deliveries. Consequently, the ICC officially cleared his bowling action not once, but twice – first in 1996 and again in 1999 – thereby validating its legality and allowing him to continue his extraordinary career.

Accolades and Recognition

Muttiah Muralitharan's brilliance has been widely acknowledged and celebrated. In 2002, the prestigious Wisden Cricketers' Almanack, often regarded as the 'Bible of Cricket,' rated him as the greatest Test match bowler ever, a profound testament to his impact and skill. His illustrious career was further recognized in 2017 when he made history as the first Sri Lankan cricketer to be inducted into the esteemed ICC Cricket Hall of Fame, a fitting tribute to his legendary status. That same year, his contributions to his nation were also celebrated with the Ada Derana Sri Lankan of the Year award, highlighting his enduring legacy both on and off the field.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is Muttiah Muralitharan most famous for?

Muttiah Muralitharan is most famous for being the highest wicket-taker in both Test and One Day International (ODI) cricket, an unparalleled feat. He is also renowned for his unique bowling action, which generated significant discussion throughout his career, and for taking 800 Test wickets.

Why was his bowling action controversial?

His bowling action was controversial due to an unusual hyperextension of his congenitally bent arm during delivery. While critics alleged 'chucking,' biomechanical analyses by the International Cricket Council (ICC) confirmed his action was legal, stemming from a natural physical condition rather than an intentional straightening of the arm.

How many Test wickets did Muttiah Muralitharan take?

Muttiah Muralitharan holds the world record for the most Test wickets, with a grand total of 800 wickets. He achieved this milestone with the very last ball of his final Test match.

Is Muttiah Muralitharan in the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame?

Yes, Muttiah Muralitharan was inducted into the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame in 2017, becoming the first Sri Lankan cricketer to receive this prestigious honor.

What national honour does he hold in Sri Lanka?

He holds the national honour of "Deshabandu," a high civilian award in Sri Lanka bestowed upon individuals for distinguished service to the nation.