Eshan Malinga

In a realm where cricket is more than a sport- it's a way of life- Eshan Malinga burst onto the scene with the raw energy of a tropical storm. Born on February 4, 2001, in Ratnapura, Sri Lanka- a region famed for its shimmering gems- Malinga's early life was steeped in the culture and cadence of cricket.

His formative years were spent at Sivali Central College in Ratnapura, where his burgeoning talent began to shine. It was here that Malinga's potential as a fast bowler was first recognized, setting the stage for his future endeavours.

In the 10th 'Ranmini' Battle Inter-School Big Match in March 2019, he delivered a stellar performance, claiming 6 wickets for 28 runs in the first innings and 5 wickets for 35 runs in the second, culminating in match figures of 11 wickets for 63 runs. Such feats not only underscored his raw talent but also earned him the moniker "Opanayake Express," a nod to his hometown and express pace.

Malinga's journey, however, was not devoid of challenges. In October 2019, he participated in the Airtel Fastest Pace bowling program, emerging as the fastest bowler in the Under-19 category with a speed of 141 kph (87.6 mph). This achievement was a double-edged sword, as the intense effort led to a back injury, sidelining him temporarily. Demonstrating resilience, Malinga collaborated with coach Palitha Nandasena during his recovery, refining his technique and fortifying his physical fitness.

Upon his return, Malinga's domestic career commenced with Ragama Cricket Club in 2022. His List-A debut against Negombo Cricket Club in July 2022 marked the beginning of a promising trajectory. 

Later in September of the same year, he wore his maiden first-class cap, his maiden first-class wicket was of Muditha Premadasa in the second innings of the match. He has bowled in 27 innings and claimed 39 wickets with his best figure being 4/33.

In the shortest format, he debuted on May 25, 2022, playing against Panadura Sports Club, in Colombo, he claimed his maiden wicket in the form of Koshan Danuska.

His prowess caught the attention of franchise teams, leading to stints with the Colombo Strikers and Jaffna Kings in the Lanka Premier League (LPL). Notably, he played a pivotal role in Jaffna Kings' 2024 triumph.

Malinga's consistent domestic performances did not go unnoticed. In December 2024, he earned a maiden call-up to the Sri Lankan ODI squad for the series against New Zealand. He made his ODI debut on January 5, 2025, against New Zealand in Wellington.

His burgeoning reputation culminated in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 auction, where Sunrisers Hyderabad secured his services for INR 1.20 crore, marking a significant milestone in his career. Malinga's athletic build complements his on-field endeavours. Off the field, he is known for his dedication to fitness, often engaging in gym sessions and swimming.

(As of March 2025)