Cheran Ayantha

Cheran Ayantha's journey into the world of cricket began in the cricketing districts of Colombo, Sri Lanka, where he was born on a warm August day in 1995. As a child, Cheran was entranced by the allure of bat striking ball, and he spent hours at his local cricket club honing his skills. By the time he was sixteen, his all-rounder abilities had begun to attract attention, demonstrating an intuitive understanding of both the bat and ball. Cheran played right-handed and developed a knack for powerful strokes interspersed with a deft touch, while his fast-medium bowling posed a persistent threat with its subtle variations.

His professional debut came in 2015 when he donned the national colours during a home series against a formidable South African side. His early performances were promising, contributing crucial runs lower down the order and delivering with the ball in tight situations. It wasn’t long before Cheran made a name for himself as a reliable right-arm fast-medium bowler adept at swinging the ball both ways, which often caught batsmen off guard.

Cheran's rise was punctuated by notable performances, such as his commanding hundred against India in the fiery cauldron of Chennai's Chepauk Stadium, where his gritty innings turned the game and put Sri Lanka in a winning position. His rivalry with India's swing maestro, Vikram Desai, provided spectators with compelling duels that added spice to an already fierce competition between the two nations.

One of Cheran’s significant achievements was his pivotal role in Sri Lanka’s unexpected triumph in the 2019 triangular series against India and New Zealand. His all-round performance, scoring vital runs and taking key wickets, showcased a maturity that belied his age and experience. Record-wise, his fastest fifty in just 21 balls during an ODI against Pakistan stands as a testament to his explosive yet calculated approach to batting.

Cheran’s cricketing prowess extends beyond the pitch as he inspires many young cricketers back in Sri Lanka. His ability to adapt under pressure was vividly displayed in a test match at Lord’s, where his late-order heroics and decisive bowling spells handed Sri Lanka a cherished victory at the home of cricket.

Though his journey has seen highs and lows, Cheran Ayantha remains an integral figure in modern cricket, celebrated for his passion and the indomitable spirit he brings to the game. His story, marked by dedication and resilience, continues to be written as he strives to leave an indelible mark on the cricketing world.

Batting Stats

Bowling Stats