In 1999, Sri Lanka’s selectors axed country’s two senior most players, Arjuna and Aravinda, from its ODI outfit. They were, however, back for the Test Matches against Australia. But a few months later, for the Test series in Zimbabwe, the selectors thought that they could do with a young side against an inexperienced opposition and only picked de Silva while Ranatunga was not considered.

The selectors argued that this was the ideal opportunity to blood a young player and that there was room only for one senior player.

In 1993, Ranatunga had rocked the cricket establishment when he boycotted a series in Sharjah after the national selection committee had controversially dropped Aravinda de Silva over his fitness. The incident created quite a stir as a host of other players too showed solidarity with Ranatunga and backed away from the national team.

So in 1999, de Silva submitted a letter to the selectors indicating that he was unable to tour Zimbabwe due to personal reasons, but in truth, he was showing his solidarity for his old mate.

Sri Lanka took a young side to Zimbabwe and won 1-0 and it was here that Tillekeratne Dilshan made a memorable debut series.

The selectors went onto recall both the veterans for the next series in Pakistan. There were arguments raised whether it was fair enough for the senior players only to be considered for tougher assignments.

As he had shown over an over again, Ranatunga’s gritty batting was once again in display as he batted with a broken thumb in the Rawalpindi Test with Sri Lanka chasing 220, which they won by two wickets.

De Silva had scored a hundred in the first innings and was named Man of the Match.

Ranatunga was ruled out for weeks and returned home immediately after that Test Match. A few months later, he retired from international cricket having appeared in 93 Test Matches as the most capped Sri Lankan cricketer.