Who is Chamindu Wickramasinghe? 5 interesting facts about Sri Lanka's debutant in 3rd T20I vs India
Chamindu Wickramasinghe made his international debut in the ongoing T20I fixture against India on Tuesday, July 30 at Pallekele. Interestingly, he took his maiden wicket in the form of Sanju Samson in his very first over. Wickramasinghe completed his four-over spell and returned with figures of 1/17.
The 21-year-old received a call-up due to his impressive Lanka Premier League (LPL) campaign. He slammed 186 runs in six innings at an average of 62 and a strike rate of 131.91 for the Dambulla Sixers. His best knock of 62* off 42 came against Kandy Falcons in the inaugural game of the tournament. He scalped seven wickets as well.
Ahead of his debut, Wickramasinghe played 50 domestic games and garnered over 900 runs and took 22 wickets. On that note, let's take a look at a few interesting facts about the young all-rounder.
#1 Took up cricket as a career due to his grandfather
In an interview with Dailynews in 2021, Chamindu Wickramasinghe revealed that his grandfather, who was a footballer during his young days, urged him to take up cricket as a career.
According to him, his grandfather is a fan of his skills, and is a strong support to him along with his parents and cousins.
“I always loved to play cricket since I was small and I have enjoyed every bit of it. My Grandfather was the main reason why I entered the world of sports. He was a great football player during his days," Chamindu Wickramasinghe was quoted as saying by Dailynews.
#2 Injury forced him to miss 2020 U19 World Cup
Chamindu Wickramasinghe was named in Sri Lanka's 2020 U19 World Cup squad. However, he could not be a part of the tournament due to injury concerns.
Nevertheless, Wickramasinghe played the 2022 edition of the tournament, scoring 75 runs in six innings.
#3 Scored a century on his first-class debut
Wickramasinghe had a dream first-class debut in August 2023 at the Major League Tournament. Playing for Sinhalese Sports Club against Nugegoda SWC, the youngster garnered 106 off 149, with 13 fours and was the top-scorer for the team.
He had also shone brightly in his List-A debut, smoking 83 off 55 balls and helping the Sinhalese Sports Club to win by 229 runs.
#4 Aspires to carve his career as a fast-bowling all-rounder
Chamindu Wickramasinghe feels Sri Lanka require a fast-bowling all-rounder, and he can fill that gap to perfection. It is certainly true that after Angelo Matthews, none of the fast-bowling all-rounder have left a lasting impact on Sri Lanka.
"Sri Lanka requires a fast-bowling all-rounder and I am working hard towards attaining that position and winning as many matches for the country," he was quoted as saying by Wisden.
#5 Was unsold in LPL 2024 auction; Changed ownership of franchise helped him get an offer
Formerly named Dambulla Thunder, the franchise entered the LPL 2024 season with a new name, Dambulla Sixers and a new owner as well. It was because its previous owner was arrested due to financial fraud. Interestingly, the same owner was part of the auction as well, who didn't take an interest in Chamindu Wickramasinghe.
However, after the change in ownership, Wickramasinghe received an offer from the Sixers franchise, which eventually helped him to receive a national call-up.