“Who is Eshan Malinga? Meet SRH’s IPL 2025 Debutant and His Journey So Far!”
The IPL 2025 season has introduced a new name to the cricketing world: Eshan Malinga , who is making his debut for Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in their match against Punjab Kings on Saturday, April 12. While his last name might remind fans of the legendary Lasith Malinga , this young Sri Lankan pacer is determined to carve his own legacy in the game.
Let’s take a closer look at Eshan Malinga’s journey, his impressive stats, and why he’s generating buzz in the cricketing community.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Kiribathgala Kankanamalage Eshan Malinga Dharmasena |
| Date of Birth | February 4, 2001 |
| Place of Birth | Ratnapura, Sri Lanka |
| Bowling Style | Fast-Medium |
| Teams | Sri Lanka, Sunrisers Hyderabad, Ragama CC |
Eshan Malinga hails from Ratnapura, Sri Lanka, and began his cricketing journey at Sivali Central College . He quickly made a name for himself as a promising fast-medium bowler, showcasing his talent by taking 11 wickets for 63 runs in an inter-school match in 2019. Later that year, he clocked an impressive 141 km/h in a fast-bowling program, earning the title of the fastest Under-19 bowler in Sri Lanka.
Domestic and International Career
Eshan Malinga has been a consistent performer across all formats of the game. Here’s a breakdown of his domestic stats so far:
| Format | Matches | Wickets | Average | Best Figures |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| First-Class | 16 | 39 | 28.74 | 4/33 |
| List A | 17 | 24 | 27.50 | 5/52 |
| T20 | 16 | 17 | 20.88 | 3/21 |
His consistent performances earned him a spot in the Sri Lanka A and Emerging squads , leading to his international debut in an ODI series against New Zealand on January 5, 2025.
IPL 2025 Debut with Sunrisers Hyderabad
In the 2025 IPL auction, Sunrisers Hyderabad secured Eshan Malinga for ₹1.2 crore , banking on his potential to deliver fiery spells in the T20 format. Known for his pace and accuracy, Malinga could be a key asset for SRH, especially in death overs where his speed can unsettle batters.
Is Eshan Malinga Related to Lasith Malinga?
Despite sharing a surname and being a fellow fast bowler, Eshan Malinga has clarified that he is not related to the legendary Lasith Malinga . He emphasized that he wants to create his own identity in cricket without being overshadowed by comparisons.
This statement shows his determination to establish himself as a unique talent in the cricketing world.
Why Fans Are Excited About Eshan Malinga
Here’s what makes Eshan Malinga stand out:
- Pace and Accuracy :
With speeds touching 141 km/h , Malinga brings raw pace to the table, a valuable asset in T20 cricket. - Consistency Across Formats :
His ability to perform in first-class , List A , and T20s proves his adaptability to different conditions and formats. - Fresh Talent :
As a relatively unknown player in the IPL, Malinga offers a sense of mystery and excitement for fans eager to see new stars rise.
Final Thoughts
Eshan Malinga’s debut in IPL 2025 marks the beginning of what could be a promising career. While he shares a famous surname, he’s determined to make his mark independently. With his pace, skill, and hunger to succeed, Malinga could become a fan favorite for Sunrisers Hyderabad.
Will he live up to the hype and deliver explosive performances in IPL 2025? Cricket fans will be watching closely!
