Nalin De Silva

Nalin De Silva, born on the first day of the new millennium, quickly marked himself as one of the most exciting prospects in cricket, famed for his adaptability and prowess as a bowler. Hailing from the bustling town of Kandy, Sri Lanka, Nalin's initial foray into cricket was as a spirited youngster, bowling on dusty local pitches with a determination that belied his age. Encouraged by his family and inspired by the cricket contests broadcast in his living room, young Nalin honed his natural talent, and it was clear early on that he was destined for something remarkable.

His cricketing journey began to take a more defined shape at the age of 15 when he was selected for the Under-19 national team. From there, his trajectory was swift and impressive. Nalin made his professional debut in First-Class cricket for the Sinhalese Sports Club at the age of 18, where his versatile bowling style — mixing seam with deceptive spin — soon caught the attention of national selectors.

Nalin's ability to adapt his bowling to the needs of the game became his hallmark. His right-arm deliveries, at an unsettling pace that often rattled even the steeliest of batsmen, were complemented by an uncanny knack for breaking partnerships at crucial junctures. His major breakthrough came during a match against the much-vaunted Australian side in a Test match in Galle, where he took a memorable five-wicket haul, cementing his status as one of the most promising bowlers of his generation.

Over the years, Nalin's career has been punctuated by notable rivalries, most famously with Indian batting maestro Rakesh Sharma. Their duels have often provided fans with thrilling spectacles, with Nalin’s clever alterations in line and length often unsettling Sharma's rhythm.

One of the standout moments of his career was during the 2023 Asia Cup final. With his team on the brink, Nalin took four wickets over a breathtaking spell, leading Sri Lanka to a nail-biting victory. His adaptability extends to his batting too — though not as prominent as his bowling, Nalin has shown an ability to contribute valuable lower-order runs, especially during tight situations.

Nalin's story is still unfolding, but his impact on the game is clear. He continues to inspire many young players who watch his every move, hoping to emulate his success and fiery passion on the cricket pitch.

Batting Stats

Bowling Stats