Discover the rise of Sri Lankan cricketer Eshan Malinga, from his domestic debut to his IPL 2025 success with Sunrisers Hyderabad. Learn more about his journey!
Table of Contents
Introduction
Eshan Malinga is one of Sri Lanka’s most exciting young cricket talents, quickly making a name for himself in both domestic leagues and the IPL. Born on February 4, 2001, Malinga has shown remarkable skill as an all-rounder, impressing fans with his aggressive batting and sharp bowling. From debuting for Ragama Cricket Club to being snapped up by Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL 2025 auction, his journey has been nothing short of impressive. In this article, we dive into Eshan Malinga’s cricketing journey, his achievements, and what lies ahead for this rising star.
Early Life and Background
Birth and Family
Eshan Malinga was born in Sri Lanka, a country that has produced some of the world’s greatest cricketers. The 22-year-old’s full name—Kiribathgala Kankanamalage Eshan Malinga Dharmasena—might be a mouthful, but it’s his performances on the field that speak louder than any name could. Growing up in a cricket-loving nation, Malinga was surrounded by the sport from an early age, with family members and local mentors encouraging him to chase his cricket dreams.
Growing Up in Sri Lanka
Eshan’s childhood was infused with cricket. Like many Sri Lankan cricketers, he spent his early years playing the sport in the streets and local fields. In a country where cricket is not just a sport but a way of life, it was only natural that Malinga would be drawn to the game. As a child, he admired legendary cricketers like Muttiah Muralitharan and Kumar Sangakkara, whose achievements fueled his aspirations to represent his country. Malinga’s natural talent was evident from an early age, and as he grew older, it became clear that he had the potential to take his love for the game to the next level.
Cricket Journey Begins
First Steps in the Game
Malinga’s cricketing journey started with small but important steps. As he joined local teams, his talent as a batsman and bowler started to shine through. His commitment to improving his game, combined with his natural ability, quickly earned him a place in more competitive leagues. Eshan’s rise wasn’t an overnight success; it came after years of hard work, practice, and determination. His early experiences with local cricket clubs taught him valuable lessons about discipline and the art of the game.
Introduction to Ragama Cricket Club
Malinga’s breakthrough came when he joined Ragama Cricket Club, a well-known and respected club in Sri Lanka. Ragama provided him with the opportunity to develop his skills in a professional environment, where he played alongside some of the best players in the country. This was a turning point in Malinga’s career, as it allowed him to showcase his abilities in major tournaments and competitions. Under the guidance of expert coaches and with access to quality facilities, Eshan quickly developed into a top-tier cricketer.
Key Milestones in Eshan Malinga’s Career
First-Class Debut
Malinga made his first-class debut on September 2, 2022, in the prestigious 2022–23 Major League Tournament. Playing for Ragama Cricket Club, he faced the challenge of stepping up to a higher level of competition. Despite the pressure, Malinga made an immediate impact with his performance. His debut marked the beginning of his professional journey in first-class cricket, where he demonstrated impressive skills with both the bat and ball.
List A Debut
A few months after his first-class debut, Malinga made his List A debut for Ragama Cricket Club on July 5, 2022, in the Major Clubs Limited Over Tournament. This was another important milestone in his career, allowing him to showcase his adaptability in the 50-over format. Malinga’s ability to transition seamlessly between formats further solidified his reputation as a rising star in Sri Lankan cricket.
Twenty20 Debut
Eshan’s versatility was again on display when he made his Twenty20 debut on May 25, 2022, in the Major Clubs T20 Tournament. Known for his aggressive batting style and wicket-taking ability, Malinga adapted well to the fast-paced nature of T20 cricket. His performances in this format were particularly exciting for fans, as he exhibited the same level of flair and skill that he had shown in List A and first-class cricket.
Rise to Prominence
Performance in Domestic Cricket
Eshan Malinga’s consistent performances in domestic cricket quickly put him on the radar of national selectors. Whether it was in the Major League, the List A competition, or T20 tournaments, Malinga’s all-round skills—his batting, his sharp bowling, and his ability to perform under pressure—earned him attention from both domestic and international scouts. His breakthrough performances in various formats made it clear that he was a player to watch closely.
Impressive Showings in Major Leagues
As Malinga’s reputation continued to grow, he began impressing in some of Sri Lanka’s biggest cricketing leagues. His performances caught the eye of national selectors, and soon, he was being spoken about as a future star. His contributions were integral to his club’s successes, and he soon found himself competing at even higher levels, which opened the door to more prestigious tournaments.
Joining the IPL 2025
Auction Success
In 2025, Malinga’s hard work and talent were finally recognized on the global stage when he was picked up by the Sunrisers Hyderabad for a staggering ₹1.20 crore at the IPL 2025 auction. This was a major breakthrough for Malinga and a testament to his growing reputation. The IPL is one of the world’s most competitive and high-profile cricket leagues, and being selected to play for Sunrisers Hyderabad was a clear indication that Malinga’s skills were in high demand.
Sold to Sunrisers Hyderabad
Joining Sunrisers Hyderabad is a huge opportunity for Eshan Malinga. As part of one of the IPL’s most successful teams, Malinga will now play alongside some of the biggest names in world cricket, including international superstars. This experience will not only allow him to further hone his skills but will also give him a chance to learn from some of the best in the business. His inclusion in the team’s lineup for the 2025 IPL season marks a new phase in his career, and fans are excited to see what he will bring to the table.
Playing Style and Strengths
Batting Skills
Malinga’s aggressive batting style is one of his most appealing traits. He has the ability to play big shots and score quickly, making him a valuable asset in limited-overs formats. Whether it’s finding gaps for singles or hitting boundaries, Eshan knows how to keep the scoreboard ticking. His ability to accelerate the game during crucial moments is what makes him such a versatile player. In the IPL, his aggressive batting will be an important weapon in his team’s arsenal.
Bowling Techniques
While Malinga’s batting has gotten him plenty of attention, his bowling is equally impressive. As a pace bowler, he has the ability to bowl with both speed and accuracy. His deliveries are sharp and hard to hit, often forcing batsmen into making mistakes. But what really sets Malinga apart is his clever variations. Whether it’s the slower ball, yorkers, or bouncers, he knows how to adapt his bowling to the situation and keep batsmen on their toes.
Pace and Accuracy
Malinga’s ability to bowl at high speeds—consistently hitting the 140 km/h mark—while maintaining pinpoint accuracy is a key strength. His pace makes it difficult for batsmen to settle into their rhythm, often forcing them to make rash decisions. This pace and accuracy make him a deadly weapon in all formats, and it will be particularly valuable in the fast-paced environment of the IPL.
Variation and Strategy
One of Malinga’s trademarks as a bowler is his strategic approach. His ability to vary the pace of his deliveries, combined with his clever use of length and line, makes him a challenging bowler to face. His variations—like slower balls, bouncers, and yorkers—are delivered at the right moments, creating uncertainty for the batsman. This makes Malinga a valuable asset in both the powerplay and the death overs.
Future Prospects and Expectations
What’s Next for Eshan Malinga?
Looking ahead, Eshan Malinga’s future in cricket is filled with promise. His recent success in domestic cricket and the IPL signals that he is ready for the international stage. Many believe it won’t be long before he represents Sri Lanka in international matches, especially with the strong performances he’s been putting in. If he continues to develop at this rate, Malinga could become one of Sri Lanka’s biggest cricketing stars in the coming years.
Conclusion: The Sky’s the Limit for Eshan Malinga
Eshan Malinga’s rise from the streets of Sri Lanka to the prestigious IPL is a story of talent, hard work, and perseverance. His journey has only just begun, but the future looks bright. Whether it’s with the bat or the ball, Malinga is a complete cricketer who has proven he can excel in all formats. As he continues to evolve, we can expect even bigger achievements in his career. The sky is truly the limit for Eshan Malinga, and we can’t wait to see where this exciting talent goes next.
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FAQs
Who is Eshan Malinga?
Eshan Malinga is a Sri Lankan cricketer known for his aggressive batting and sharp pace bowling. He made his debut in domestic cricket for Ragama Cricket Club.
When was Eshan Malinga born?
Eshan Malinga was born on February 4, 2001, in Sri Lanka.
What is Eshan Malinga’s full name?
His full name is Kiribathgala Kankanamalage Eshan Malinga Dharmasena.
What cricket club did Eshan Malinga debut for?
Malinga made his debut for Ragama Cricket Club.
When did Eshan Malinga make his first-class debut?
Eshan Malinga made his first-class debut for Ragama Cricket Club on September 2, 2022, during the 2022–23 Major League Tournament.
When did Malinga make his List A debut?
He made his List A debut for Ragama Cricket Club on July 5, 2022, in the Major Clubs Limited Over Tournament.
What format did Malinga debut in first?
Malinga debuted in the Twenty20 format on May 25, 2022, in the Major Clubs T20 Tournament.
How did Malinga perform in his domestic cricket debut?
Eshan performed well, showing promise with both bat and ball, and quickly gained recognition in Sri Lanka’s domestic circuits.
When was Eshan Malinga picked for the IPL?
Eshan Malinga was picked up by Sunrisers Hyderabad for ₹1.20 crore in the IPL 2025 auction.
What makes Eshan Malinga stand out as a cricketer?
His aggressive batting, precise pace bowling, and ability to adapt to various formats make him a versatile and valuable player.
What is Eshan Malinga’s role in the team?
Eshan Malinga is an all-rounder, excelling with both bat and ball, making him a key asset in any team.
What is Eshan Malinga’s playing style?
Malinga is known for his aggressive batting, particularly in limited-overs cricket, and his pace bowling with variations like slower balls and yorkers.
Has Eshan Malinga played for Sri Lanka’s national team yet?
As of now, Malinga has not yet made his debut for Sri Lanka’s national team but is expected to be called up soon given his rising form.
How has Malinga performed in T20 cricket?
Malinga has excelled in T20 cricket with his powerful batting and knack for picking key wickets, showcasing his all-rounder capabilities.
What are the future prospects for Eshan Malinga?
With his impressive performances in domestic leagues and the IPL, Eshan Malinga has a bright future ahead, and he is expected to play for Sri Lanka in international cricket soon.
By: Sportsindeed
