Nuwan Thushara

Nuwan Thushara, often compared to Lasith Malinga for his slingy bowling action, is a Sri Lankan fast bowler renowned for his sharp pace, deceptive variations, and ability to deliver deadly yorkers. His consistent performances in domestic and franchise T20 leagues have made him a sought-after asset in the shortest format of the game.

His rise on the domestic circuit was equally eye-catching, making a name for himself with Sinhalese Sports Club and Badureliya Sports Club across formats. His unique, slingy action quickly transformed him into a Lanka Premier League sensation, leading attacks for several franchises.

That reputation soon extended beyond Sri Lanka. Mumbai Indians snapped him up in the Indian Premier League, continuing the franchise's storied lineage of Sri Lankan slingers trained in the Lasith Malinga tradition. Further deals with MI Cape Town in the SA20 and Gulf Giants in the International League T20 reinforced his status as one of the game's most sought-after short-format weapons.

Thushara made his T20 debut in 2016, but it was in 2022 that he truly broke through, earning his maiden call-up to Sri Lanka’s T20I squad. He quickly made an impact on the international stage, particularly excelling in death bowling. His strong performances in the Lanka Premier League led to opportunities in global T20 competitions, including the Abu Dhabi T10 League, where he further sharpened his skills.

Since making his T20I debut against Australia in 2022, one of the standout moments of Thushara's career came in 2024 when he claimed a five-wicket haul, including a hat-trick, against Bangladesh. His impressive form earned him an IPL contract with Mumbai for the 2024 season, where he made a decent impact and gained valuable experience alongside elite pacers.

Despite Sri Lanka's early exit in the 2024 T20 World Cup, Thushara was a rare bright spot in the bowling department. Released by Mumbai ahead of the 2025 IPL auction, he found a new home with Bengaluru, who secured his services for INR 1.60 crore. He featured in just one game during RCB's title-winning season.

The remainder of the year did not see him make any significant impact, which meant he missed out on a spot in the 2026 T20 World Cup squad. However, his slingy action and the X-factor he brings with it were enough for RCB to retain him for the 2026 IPL season.