Tanuja Rajapakse

Tanuja Rajapakse
Nationality: Sri Lanka
Position: Wicketkeeper
Date of Birth: 2006-01-01 Age: 19

Bio

Career Stats

Fixtures

Teams

From the bustling streets of Colombo to the grand stages of international cricket, Tanuja Rajapakse’s rise to prominence is a testament to sheer tenacity and innate skill. Born on New Year’s Day in 2006, Tanuja first wielded a cricket bat at the tender age of six, inspired by the fervent cricketing atmosphere of Sri Lanka and her cricket-lover father’s tales of wicketkeeping greats. Her early years were marked by countless hours at local grounds where her talent was undeniable, especially her lightning-fast reflexes behind the stumps.

Tanuja’s big break came during a regional under-15 tournament when her diving catch in a critical match went viral, catching the eye of national selectors. Making her professional debut at 17, she quickly made a name for herself with her unrivalled elegance as a wicketkeeper and her prowess in batting. Her adaptable approach with the bat allowed her to anchor innings or switch gears into aggressive mode as needed—a flexibility that made her indispensable to the team.

In the annals of cricketing history, Tanuja’s accomplishments are etched permanently. She played a pivotal role in Sri Lanka’s triumph at the 2023 Women’s Cricket Championship, not only for her immaculate glove-work but her crucial half-century in the final that steered the team to victory. Her rivalry with India’s star wicketkeeper was a staple feature of matches between the two nations, adding a layer of excitement for fans and neutrals alike.

The moments that define Tanuja’s career are myriad, but a few shine brighter. In a nail-biting final against Australia, Tanuja pulled off a risky yet perfectly executed stumping that turned the game in Sri Lanka’s favour, showcasing her calm demeanour under pressure. Her ability to adapt seamlessly according to game situations, both with bat and ball, remains one of her most cherished gifts to the team.

Off the field, Tanuja’s commitment to nurturing young talent reflects her passion for the game’s future. Her journey is not just about personal glory, but her profound impact on inspiring a generation of cricketers. Tanuja Rajapakse’s story is one marked by an insatiable hunger for the game, astute skill, and leadership—qualities that ensure her legacy will endure as one of Sri Lanka’s cricketing icons.