Susiri Warnakulasuriya

Susiri Warnakulasuriya was born on 7 September 1981, in the cricket-loving landscape of Sri Lanka, where his early years were punctuated by vivid dreams of batting brilliance and bowling heroics. His journey into the professional realm of cricket was as much a tale of perseverance as it was of talent. From the bustling backyards of Colombo, where he first clutched a bat as a left-hander and playfully honed his right-arm-fast bowling skills, Susiri took his first significant steps in school-level cricket tournaments, quickly garnering the attention of local coaches with his allrounder capabilities.

Warnakulasuriya’s professional debut was a fiercely anticipated event by those familiar with his prodigious talents. It came in the early 2000s when he donned the national colours, stepping onto the international stage with a palpable energy that soon became his trademark. His career thereafter was adorned with several highlights, most notably his sterling performances in the 2005 and 2009 ICC World T20 tournaments, where he was instrumental in steering Sri Lanka to the finals. While the elusive championship title narrowly evaded him, his contributions with both bat and ball were pivotal, and he etched his name into the annals of cricketing folklore.

Susiri’s playing style was an intriguing blend of flair and aggression, never afraid to gamble on a tempting delivery or chase an unlikely run. His left-handed batting was marked by a penchant for audacious stroke play. Meanwhile, with the ball in hand, his right-arm fast deliveries were known to rattle even the most stoic batsmen; he could swing the ball both ways, terrorising opposition with pace and precision.

One of the most unforgettable contests of his career was against arch-rivals India in the 2011 ODI series. In a gripping third match, Susiri’s allround performance of a quick-fire 70 runs and decisive three-wicket haul remained a testament to his game-changing capabilities.

Warnakulasuriya's impact on the field, however, went beyond statistics and trophies. It was his undying spirit and competitive edge that truly defined him. As his career wound down, he gracefully took to mentoring young talents, instilling in them not just the skills of cricket, but a profound respect for the game. His legacy, much like his name, is lengthy, richly layered, and fondly remembered by fans and colleagues alike.

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Bowling Stats