Isuru Udana

A product of the Sri Lanka U-19 setup, Isuru Udana is a fast-bowling all-rounder who plays professional cricket for the Sri Lankan national team. Udana was fast-tracked in the Sri Lankan A team for the tour to South Africa in 2008, without a single First-Class game to his credit.

The Balangoda-born was the leading wicket-taker in the 2008-09 Inter-Provincial T20 tournament, thereby helping Wayamba clinch the title and a place in the Champions League Twenty20. His variations made him a very effective bowler in the shortest format. Udana entered the international scene after impressive performances for Sri Lanka A and his domestic team Wayamba. Touted as the next Chaminda Vaas,  he was selected as a part of the 2009 T20 World Cup in England. He failed to make a significant impact as he picked up 5 wickets in 4 outings.

Tamil Union Cricket and Athletic Club, career was full of ups and downs and for a decade but never cemented his spot in the national side. Trying to transform his game, Udana became an explosive lower-order batsman.

Soon, he got picked for the tour of South Africa in 2019 as a part of the limited-overs squad. Udana's performance in the 4th ODI was almost a life-changing moment in his career. He backed his batting skills with a swashbuckling 84* off 48 balls in the second T20, almost pulling off a spectacular chase. His score is the highest individual score in T20Is for a number 8 batsman. 

Udana's exploits earned him a spot in the team for the 2019 ODI World Cup. He failed to make his mark in the prestigious competition for Sri Lanka during their disappointing campaign. The T20 specialist's all-round exploits earned him his first Indian Premier League contract in 2020 auctions where he was signed by the Bangalore-based franchise for Rs. 50 lakh. At 33 years of age, it will be interesting to see if Udana makes a cut into the national team for the upcoming T20 World Cup.

(As of May 2021)