Sri Lanka is a country where cricket is highly popular. It is one of the twelve nations that participate in test cricket and one of the six nations that have emerged victorious in a cricket world cup.
1. Arvind De Silva
Aravinda de Silva has gained a reputation as one of the best batsmen in the history of cricket. He's famous for his exceptional cricket skills and has contributed significantly to the Sri Lankan team. During the 1996 World Cup final, De Silva accomplished a remarkable feat by becoming the sole player to score a century and take three or more wickets in the same match. This notable accomplishment helped Sri Lanka win their first-ever World Cup title. In addition to his World Cup success, De Silva was also the first player to score unbeaten hundreds in a Test match. He solidified his position as one of Sri Lanka's greatest cricketers by achieving a remarkable feat of scoring 138 and 103 against Pakistan in the 1990s.
2. Dinesh Chandimal
Dinesh Chandimal, a Sri Lankan cricketer, has made his mark in the world of cricket as a former captain of all formats. He is highly respected for his leadership skills and unwavering determination. Known for his technically sound batting, Chandimal is equipped with an array of strokes that enable him to score runs from all around the wicket. Furthermore, his maturity at the crease and his ability to build and pace innings are qualities that set him apart from other players in the game.
3. Nuwan Kulasekra
Nuwan Kulasekara is a highly esteemed former Sri Lankan cricketer who made a notable impact on the world of cricket. He was a key player for the Sri Lanka national cricket team across all three formats of the game, showcasing his exceptional skills as one of the finest swing bowlers in the sport. His exceptional talent and contributions to the team were pivotal in securing the 2014 ICC World Twenty20 victory. Moreover, he was a significant member of the team that made it to the finals of the prestigious 2007 Cricket World Cup. Kulasekara's achievements and impressive career have cemented his place in the history of cricket.
4. Mahela Jayawardene
Mahela Jayawardene is a highly esteemed figure in the realm of Sri Lankan cricket, largely due to his exceptional abilities as a captain. His leadership prowess has been demonstrated across a wide range of formats within the game, setting numerous milestones and cementing his place as a true legend of the sport.
5. Tillakaratne Dilshan
Tillakaratne Dilshan, a renowned Sri Lankan cricketer, had a reputation for being an exceptionally innovative ODI batsman. He was a rare gem in the cricket world, as he proved to be a multi-talented player who excelled in all facets of the game, including his impressive skills in batting, bowling, fielding, and wicket-keeping. His immense talent and outstanding performances on the field earned him a well-deserved spot as the captain of the national cricket team, cementing his status as one of the greatest cricketers in Sri Lankan history.
6. Lasith Malinga
Lasith Malinga is a highly accomplished Sri Lankan cricketer who made significant contributions to the 2014 T20 World Cup-winning team. He holds a remarkable record for taking 4 wickets in 4 consecutive balls in international cricket twice, which is a testament to his exceptional skill and talent. Lasith is widely regarded as one of the most successful limited-over bowlers in the world. Despite his impressive achievements, he is known for his simplicity and honesty, which have earned him the respect and admiration of his teammates, fans, and opponents alike. Sri Lanka is truly fortunate to have such a talented player who has undoubtedly left his mark on the country's cricket history as one of the best players and captains to ever grace the sport.
7. Arjuna Ranatunga
Arjuna Ranatunga is widely regarded as one of the most accomplished cricket captains in the history of Sri Lankan sports. His leadership skills and unwavering determination paved the way for the national team's first-ever World Cup triumph in 1996, which was a momentous achievement for the nation. He is celebrated as a legendary cricketer in Sri Lanka, and his contributions to the sport have left an indelible mark on the country's sporting landscape.
8. Marvan Atapattu
Marvan Atapattu faced a challenging beginning to his tenure in the test cricket arena. However, his perseverance and skillful gameplay helped him rise to the top and earn the title of one of the greatest captains in the history of the Sri Lanka cricket team. His record as a run-scorer is highly impressive, having scored 6 double-hundreds and numerous centuries in both one-day and test cricket formats.
9. Sanath Jayasuriya
Sanath Jayasuriya is a renowned cricketer who has left an indelible mark on the world of cricket. He is widely recognized for his exceptional batting skills and his contributions to the game. As an opening batsman for Sri Lanka, Jayasuriya was known for his simple yet effective approach to batting, which was encapsulated in his philosophy of "see the ball, hit the ball. This approach helped him score numerous runs at the international level and cemented his status as a legend in the cricketing world.
10. Kumar Sangakkara
Kumar Sangakkara is a distinguished Sri Lankan cricket commentator and former professional cricketer who has made a significant impact on the sport. Currently serving as the president of Marylebone Cricket Club, Kumar has established himself as one of the most exceptional batsmen in the history of the game. His remarkable performance has earned him a reputation for being among the top three in the ICC rankings for all three formats of the sport. In addition to his batting skills, Kumar is also recognized for his impressive wicketkeeping abilities and his outstanding leadership qualities as the captain of the Sri Lankan team. His contributions to the game have not only left an indelible mark on the sport but also inspired a new generation of cricketers.
