5 cricketers whose looks changed over the years

Arjuna Ranatunga

Arjuna Ranatunga captained Sri Lanka to their historic 1996 Cricket World Cup title and was widely recognised during his playing days for his robust, heavy-set build. That image changed significantly after he underwent bariatric surgery, which produced a dramatic and publicly visible reduction in his weight.

Indian politician Shashi Tharoor posted a photograph alongside Ranatunga in July 2026 that revealed the extent of the transformation. The image prompted widespread reaction from the cricket community, many of whom found the change striking when compared with his well-known appearance from his playing years.