Muthuthanthrige Vishwa Thilina Fernando, popularly known as Vishwa Fernando, is a left-arm fast bowler from Moratuwa, Sri Lanka. Born on February 27, 1991, Vishwa has emerged as a promising talent in Sri Lankan cricket, celebrated for his skiddy pace and ability to generate bounce from his whippy action.
Vishwa Fernando first burst onto the cricketing scene in 2012 when he made his debut in first-class cricket. Even in his maiden season, it became apparent that his bowling skills outweighed his statistics. His exceptional raw talent caught the attention of the national selectors, who believed that Sri Lanka was in dire need of left-arm fast bowlers at the domestic level.
Motivated by this desire to groom talented left-arm pacers, Vishwa was soon called up for the national squad. Although his initial inclusion was based mostly on hunch and potential, he did not let the opportunity go to waste. In 2014, he was named in Sri Lanka’s Test squad for the tour to the United Arab Emirates. Despite not getting a chance to make his international debut, he joined the squad again for the tour of Bangladesh that followed soon after. Vishwa was eager to prove himself and made the most of the opportunities he received. He returned from the tour to play against the visiting England A side, showcasing his skills in a modest series.
The year 2015 became a breakthrough for Vishwa Fernando when he was selected for Sri Lanka’s Test squad to face India in August. This time, his selection was backed by exceptional performances. He had been the most penetrative fast bowler in the 2014-15 Premier League Tournament, scalping an impressive 40 wickets at an average of 21.97. His ability to consistently trouble batsmen with his pace and bounce earned him a well-deserved place in the national side.
Vishwa Fernando’s international debut finally arrived on the tour of England in 2016, in a Test match at Headingley. Although the match ended in a draw, Vishwa made an instant impact by dismissing the top-ranked English batsman, Alastair Cook, as his first wicket. This performance solidified his position in the national team and created confidence in his abilities.
Throughout his career, Vishwa has continued to hone his skills and add ammunition to the Sri Lankan bowling attack. Recognized for his pace, accuracy, and the ability to move the ball, he has often been the go-to bowler in crucial situations. His performances have earned him accolades from fans and players alike, and he is considered one of the most promising young talents in Sri Lankan cricket.
Despite facing occasional dips in form, Vishwa has remained determined and risen above challenges. His tenacity and perseverance have allowed him to bounce back stronger, ensuring that he remains a vital asset to the Sri Lankan cricket team. As he continues to mature as a cricketer, fans eagerly await Vishwa Fernando’s future contributions to the game and hope for many more remarkable performances from this left-arm quick.
