At 62, Rumesh Ratnayake carries with him not just the memories of Sri Lanka's first-ever Test victory in 1985, but a coaching philosophy that's transforming lives and winning championships. The former fast bowler, who took nine wickets in that historic match against India in Colombo, has found his greatest success off the field, guiding Sri Lanka's women's cricket team to unprecedented heights.

When Ratnayake caught that ball from Kapil Dev's bat nearly four decades ago, completing a stunning victory with his distinctive white headband visible above dark curly hair, he couldn't have known that his greatest innings was yet to come. After a playing career that saw him claim 149 wickets across 23 Tests and 70 ODIs, Ratnayake has discovered his true calling in nurturing talent and building confidence.

His journey into coaching the women's team began with hesitation. When Sri Lanka Cricket's CEO Ashley de Silva approached him, Ratnayake initially declined, having never coached women before. But when he watched the team practice, something clicked. "Man, this is a team I can grow with," he recalls thinking, seeing potential where others might have seen only challenges.

What followed was nothing short of remarkable. Under Ratnayake's guidance, a struggling team transformed into champions, securing series victories in England and South Africa, winning the Asia Cup by defeating India in the final, and defeating host South Africa in their opening match of the 2023 T20 World Cup.

The secret to this transformation? An unwavering commitment to positivity and the perfect timing of encouragement. "I believe in creating the right kind of environment, and it is about saying the right thing at the right time," Ratnayake explains. His approach eliminates negativity entirely. When a player bowls a bad ball or drops a catch, he focuses on backing them for the next opportunity rather than dwelling on the mistake.

This philosophy of "winning the ball, winning the moments" has created a culture where players feel empowered to grow and take risks. Rather than demanding six runs when four will do, or insisting on wickets when containing runs is enough, Ratnayake teaches his players to value every positive contribution, however small.

The Ripple Effect: Ratnayake's coaching success extends far beyond wins and losses. By creating an environment where confidence flourishes and negativity is banished, he's shown how sports leadership can transform not just performance, but lives. His approach has elevated women's cricket in Sri Lanka to new heights, inspiring a generation of young players who now see themselves as champions.

His own cricket education came from legends like Richard Hadlee, who taught him about rhythm and timing at age 18, and from watching greats like Michael Holding, Jeff Thomson, Dennis Lillee, and his favorite, Wasim Akram, whom he considers the most complete fast bowler ever. Today, Ratnayake admires Mitchell Starc's rhythm and Pat Cummins' skill, but his focus remains on passing wisdom forward.

The government holiday declared after that 1985 Test victory symbolized a nation's joy. Today, Ratnayake is creating new moments of national pride, proving that the greatest victories often come from lifting others up. His story reminds us that true champions aren't just measured by wickets taken, but by the confidence they instill in those who follow.