The IPL 2025 player auction saw several Sri Lankan cricketers grab attention, with fast bowler Nuwan Thushara, all-rounder Kamindu Mendis, and young pacer Eshan Malinga all securing contracts with IPL franchises. These players have been making their mark in international and domestic cricket, and the auction results reflect their growing prominence in the global cricketing arena.
Nuwan Thushara Joins Royal Challengers Bangalore
Nuwan Thushara, a promising 23-year-old fast bowler, was bought by Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) for Rs 1.60 crore (approximately Rs 5.5 crore). Thushara’s pace and ability to swing the ball both ways have made him one of the most exciting fast bowling prospects from Sri Lanka. He previously played for Mumbai Indians in the 2024 IPL, where he impressed with his pace and bounce in the limited opportunities he received. His move to RCB will add further depth to their already formidable bowling lineup.
Kamindu Mendis: The Versatile All-Rounder
Kamindu Mendis, who has been a regular in Sri Lanka’s national team across all three formats, registered for the IPL 2025 mega auction at a base price of INR 75 lakh. The all-rounder, known for his unique ambidextrous bowling and left-handed batting, is yet to make his IPL debut, but his impressive performances in international cricket and the Lanka Premier League (LPL) have caught the eye of IPL scouts.
Mendis made his debut for Sri Lanka in 2018 and has since represented the team in 8 Tests, 14 ODIs, and 21 T20Is. In the longest format, he has a stunning record, amassing 1004 runs at an average of 91.27, including five centuries and four fifties. His adaptability and skills with both bat and ball make him a valuable asset in T20 cricket, and he is expected to bring a unique dimension to any IPL team that picks him. Mendis has also played 39 games in the LPL, where he has scored 782 runs and taken key wickets, further enhancing his reputation as a top-tier all-rounder.
Eshan Malinga’s IPL Dream Comes True with Sunrisers Hyderabad
Eshan Malinga, the young Sri Lankan pacer, was bought by Sunrisers Hyderabad for Rs 1.20 crore after an exciting bidding war with Rajasthan Royals. Malinga, 23, is a right-arm fast-medium bowler who has been rising through the ranks in Sri Lanka’s domestic cricket. Known for his pace and consistency, Malinga has shown the ability to adapt to various conditions and is considered one of Sri Lanka’s most promising fast-bowling talents.
Malinga’s success in domestic cricket and his performances for the Sri Lanka A team have earned him a place in the IPL. His ability to bowl in pressure situations and his pace make him a valuable addition to Sunrisers Hyderabad’s bowling attack. The bidding war between Sunrisers Hyderabad and Rajasthan Royals is a testament to his growing reputation as a future star in Sri Lankan cricket.
The acquisitions of Thushara, Mendis, and Malinga represent a growing recognition of Sri Lankan talent in the IPL. While Sri Lankan cricketers have historically had a strong presence in the league, the 2025 auction saw an increased interest in emerging players. With Mendis offering an exciting all-rounder option and both Thushara and Malinga bringing fresh pace to the tournament, IPL 2025 is shaping up to be a platform for Sri Lankan talent to showcase their skills.
The IPL continues to be a global stage for cricketers from all over the world, and the inclusion of these players will give them the opportunity to learn from some of the best in the game. For Sri Lankan cricket, the 2025 auction marks a step forward in rebuilding its international standing and providing young players with the exposure and experience needed to succeed on the global stage.
