IPL is the newest form of cricket. Players of all ages and countries compete with each other each year and win for their team. Sri Lanka, is known for producing some of the most talented cricket players. Top bowlers, batters, and fielders are introduced to the tournament every year. They not only help in winning but also show their exceptional talent. So, we bring you the top 10 most successful Sri Lankan players in IPL history. To start with:
1. Wanindu Hasaranga
He is a Sri Lankan all-rounder who started playing in the IPL in 2021. He is a right-arm leg spinner. He has played for Royal Challengers Bangalore since his Debut. He has taken 35 wickets in 26 IPL matches. He also supports RCB’s middle order whenever required. His best bowling figures are five wickets after giving 18 runs.
2. Maheesh Theekshana
He is a 22-year-old Sri Lankan player who has represented Sri Lanka in all three formats. He started playing in the IPL in 2022 for Chennai Super Kings. He also broke the record of Rohit Sharma to become the youngest-ever bowler to take a four-wicket haul in an IPL match. He has taken 23 wickets in 22 IPL matches.
3. Lasith Malinga
He is an explosive player who is regarded as the greatest bowler of all time. He is a right-arm fast bowler and was the captain of the 2014 World Cup team, that won the Cup. He played in the IPL from 2008-2017 for Mumbai Indians. Then, in 2018, he was named the mentor of Mumbai Indians team. He has taken 170 wickets in 122 games in the IPL.
4. Bhanuka Rajapaksa
He is a Sri Lankan cricketer who started playing in international matches in 2019. He is a right-arm medium bowler and a left-handed batsman. He started playing IPL in 2022 under Punjab Kings. In the 2023 season, he has been the backbone of Punjab’s Middle order. He plays with a strike rate of 145.
5. Matheesa Pathirana
Pathirana is a 20-year-old Sri Lankan player who debuted in IPL in 2022. He was signed by Chennai Super Kings. He took an IPL wicket with his first ball. As an international player he has only played one ODI and One T20 match so far. He has been a phenomenal player and has taken 21 wickets in 14 games.
6. Kumar Sangakkara
He is the former captain of the Sri Lankan cricket team and a member of the ICC Hall of Fame. He played in five seasons of the IPL from 2008 to 2014. In 2021, he was appointed the Director of Cricket for Rajasthan royals. He has scored 1600 runs in 71 IPL matches. As a representative, he led Rajasthan towards the 2022 IPL final.
7. Mahela Jayawardene
He is a former Sri Lankan player who is currently the coach of the Sri Lankan National team and Mumbai Indians. He was part of the Mumbai Indian squad as a coach in 2017,2019 and 2020, which lifted the trophy. As a player, he started playing in IPL in 2008 with Kings X1 Punjab. He has scored 1800 runs in 80 matches in his IPL career.
8. Thisara Perera
He is a former international Sri Lankan player and has also captained the team in Limited overs cricket. He started playing IPL in 2011 under CSK, under Kings X1 Punjab in 2014-2016. Then, in 2016, he played for Rising Pune Supergiants. He has a strike rate of 138 in the IPL and has also taken 31 wickets.
9. Muttiah Muralitharan
He is a former professional cricket player, a current Sri Lankan coach, and a member of the ICC Hall of Fame. He made his IPL debut in 2008, and played for Chennai Super Kings. He played for RCB in 2012. He retired from IPL in 2014 and was then appointed as the bowling coach of Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2015. He has played 66 matches in the IPL and taken 63 wickets.
10. Dushmantha Chameera
This 31-year-old player debuted in IPL 2022 for Lucknow Supergiants. He is a right-arm fast bowler. He is a professional cricketer and has played for the international Sri Lankan team in all three formats. He has played 12 matches in the IPL so far and also taken nine wickets. In international ODI matches, he has taken 50 wickets in 44 games.
