Niclas Rajakulage

Niclas Rajakulage, born on the 1st of January 2000, emerged from the sunlit cricket grounds of Surrey with an earnest passion for the game that was hard to overlook. From the earliest days, those who watched him play would speak of his natural flair with the ball in hand—perhaps he was destined to be a bowler after all. Even during his school days, he would often dazzle the local spectators with devastating spells that left batsmen scratching their heads on how to conquer this young talent.

His cricketing odyssey began on the lush cricket pitches of Surrey Junior Club, where he quickly transformed from a promising junior player to a much-talked-about talent in county circuits. His adaptability and versatile bowling skills earned him a spot in the county’s Under-19 squad, and the whispers of his debut in professional cricket soon turned to roars. In 2018, Niclas made his professional debut for Surrey, marking the occasion with a remarkable display of seam and swing that flustered seasoned opponents.

Over the years, Rajakulage's career bloomed with a series of awe-inspiring performances. Notably, in 2021, he played a pivotal role in Surrey’s triumphant County Championship campaign, claiming the most wickets during the season. His spellbinding tenacity and ability to consistently bowl in the right areas often saw him thrive under pressure, most memorably against fierce rivals Middlesex, where his five-wicket haul at Lord's echo in cricketing circles for months thereafter.

Niclas isn’t just a one-trick pony centered solely around his bowling feats. His adaptable batting approach, often underestimated, has led to some crucial late-innings cameos. While his bowling is his signature—his right-arm fast-medium deliveries swinging both ways—a couple of innings when he wielded his bat with gumption have shown a different side of his cricketing persona.

Despite his boy-next-door demeanour, Rajakulage has never shied away from taking centre stage, potentially the reason behind his cult following among fans. One of the hallmark moments of his career came during a tense limited-overs final in 2023. With his side pinned against the wall, Niclas delivered a blistering spell that not only turned tides but immortalised his standing as one of the finest bowlers of his generation in Surrey.

In many ways, it’s Niclas Rajakulage’s combination of discipline and devil-may-care audacity that distinguishes his journey in contemporary cricket—a narrative still unfolding, with anticipation in every stride he takes towards the pitch.

Batting Stats

Bowling Stats