Who is Nuwan Thushara?
Nuwan Thushara is a Sri Lankan cricketer who represents Colombo Cricket Club in domestic cricket and plays for Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the Indian Premier League 2026.

He is a right-hand batsman and right-arm medium-fast bowler known for his unorthodox slingy action reminiscent of Lasith Malinga and deadly yorkers.
Nuwan Thushara is among Sri Lanka’s exciting fast bowlers, having taken hattrick against Bangladesh in T20Is and becoming specialist death-overs bowler with unique bowling style.
Early Life and Background
He was Born on August 6, 1994, in Thalawa, Alpitiya, his birth place is Thalawa. His hometown is Thalawa, Sri Lanka.
Nuwan’s background involved modest environment from rural Sri Lanka. Father details not publicly disclosed but family supported cricket journey, and mother also remained private while encouraging career.
His two elder brothers remained supportive throughout cricket development. From Thalawa which state or country is Western Province, Sri Lanka.
Regarding his relationships, there is no public information available. Currently appears completely focused on establishing international cricket career.
There’s no wife as he’s unmarried. His gf status remains unknown. Cast is Sri Lankan, and house is in Thalawa, Sri Lanka.
Nuwan Thushara Biography
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Ilandari Dewage Nuwan Thushara |
| Occupation | Bowler |
| Place | Thalawa, Alpitiya |
| Hometown | Thalawa, Sri Lanka |
| Date of Birth (Birthday) | August 6, 1994 |
| Age | 31 years |
| Height | 5 feet 7 inches (170 cm) |
| Weight | 72 Kgs. |
| Father | Not Disclosed |
| Mother | Not Disclosed |
| Brother | 2 (Both Elder) |
| Sisters | None |
| Cast | Sri Lankan |
| Wife | None |
| Gf | Not Known |
| House | Thalawa, Sri Lanka |
| IPL Team 2026 | Royal Challengers Bengaluru |
| IPL Price 2026 | ₹1.60 crore |
| Net Worth | Estimated ₹15 crore |
Professional Cricket Career
Nuwan’s career start came playing tennis-ball cricket with friends before joining six-a-side tournaments for local clubs including Dedunu Thalawa, Mihindu CC, Weragoda Eksath, Gampaha Eksath and Ragama Super 6s.
Discovered by local politician while playing six-a-side tournament who recognized potential in unique bowling action earning nickname “Podi Malinga” meaning Little Malinga.
First Class 1st Match Played on December 26, 2015, for Sinhalese Sports Club in Premier League Tournament. In 5 First Class career matches, scored 2 runs with best of 1* at average of 0.66, while taking 2 wkts with best bowling of 2/37.
List-A 1st Match Played on March 10, 2018, for Colombo Cricket Club in Premier Limited Overs Tournament. In 44 matches, scored 10 runs at average of 2.50, while claiming 50 wkts with best of 4/35.
T20 career started on January 5, 2016, for Sinhalese against Galle CC. In 137 T20 matches, scored 41 runs with best of 7* at strike rate of 57.74, while taking 174 T20 Wickets with best of 5/13.
T20I 1st Match Played on February 13, 2022, against Australia at Sydney. In 30 T20I matches, claimed 36 T20 Wickets including hattrick with best of 5/20 at average of 22.63.
Talk about Test wickets, Test career not started yet so Test wickets is Zero. ODI Wickets also zero as yet to make ODI debut despite strong T20 performances.
Recent news includes his consistent performances in Lanka Premier League and being part of Nuwan Thushara 2026 season with RCB after move from Mumbai Indians.
IPL Career
His Indian Premier League journey began in 2024 when Mumbai Indians bought him for ₹4.80 crore after bidding war reflecting interest in unique bowling style. The ipl team valued his death-overs expertise.
Made play on April 22, 2024, for Mumbai Indians against Rajasthan Royals. Took notable 3/28 against Sunrisers Hyderabad showcasing yorker skills.
In IPL 2025, moved to Royal Challengers Bengaluru who acquired him for ₹1.60 crore. Nuwan Thushara wickets in ipl 2025 was 1 from single match with economy of 6.50.
For ipl 2026, retained by RCB for ₹1.60 crore as part of star-studded pace attack. The ipl team 2026 relies on his unorthodox action troubling batsmen alongside Josh Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar Kumar.
His ipl price reflects specialist skills despite limited exposure with 9 wkts across 8 matches at average of 31.44 and economy of 9.43.
Nuwan Thushara Stats
Domestic & International
Batting & Fielding
| Format | Mat | Inns | NO | Runs | HS | Ave | BF | SR | 100s | 50s | 4s | 6s | Ct | St |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| T20Is | 30 | 10 | 8 | 10 | 6 | 5.00 | 29 | 34.48 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| FC | 5 | 6 | 3 | 2 | 1* | 0.66 | 25 | 8.00 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| List A | 44 | 18 | 14 | 10 | 4* | 2.50 | 80 | 12.50 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 6 | 0 |
| T20s | 137 | 36 | 26 | 41 | 7* | 4.10 | 71 | 57.74 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 17 | 0 |
Bowling
| Format | Mat | Inns | Balls | Runs | Wkts | BBI | BBM | Ave | Econ | SR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| T20Is | 30 | 30 | 599 | 815 | 36 | 5/20 | 5/20 | 22.63 | 8.16 | 16.6 |
| FC | 5 | 6 | 312 | 237 | 2 | 2/37 | 2/37 | 118.50 | 4.55 | 156.0 |
| List A | 44 | 41 | 1413 | 1231 | 50 | 4/35 | 4/35 | 24.62 | 5.22 | 28.2 |
| T20s | 137 | 136 | 2688 | 3699 | 174 | 5/13 | 5/13 | 21.25 | 8.25 | 15.4 |
IPL Stats
Batting & Fielding
| Mat | Inns | NO | Runs | HS | Ave | BF | SR | 100s | 50s | 4s | 6s | Ct | St |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | – | – | – | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
Bowling
| Mat | Balls | Runs | Wkts | BBI | Ave | Econ | SR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 180 | 283 | 9 | 3/28 | 31.44 | 9.43 | 20.0 |
His career stats showcase T20 specialist. Career Statics demonstrate abilities as wicket-taking bowler with slingy action across limited-overs formats.
Records and Achievements
Nuwan Thushara multiple achievement include:
- Fifth Sri Lankan bowler to take hattrick in T20 internationals
- Best T20I bowling: 5/20 against Bangladesh (March 2024)
- Took hattrick against Bangladesh in T20I series
- Highest wkts tally of 174 in T20 format
- Leading wicket-taker in Lanka Premier League seasons
- Took 14 wkts in 8 LPL matches for Galle Gladiators
- Part of Sri Lanka Asian Games 2022 squad
- Best IPL figures: 3/28 against Sunrisers Hyderabad
- ODI Wickets zero as yet to make ODI debut despite strong T20 performances.
- Jersey number 53 for Sri Lanka team
These records demonstrate his journey from tennis-ball cricket to international recognition with unique bowling style.
Playing Style
Nuwan Thushara is 5 feet 7 inches (170 cm) with athletic build. As bowler, delivers right-arm medium-fast with Bowling Speed ranging 130-140 kmph using slingy action.
Bowling style resembles legendary Lasith Malinga earning nickname “Podi Malinga” in Sinhalese. Specializes in pinpoint yorkers making him deadly during death overs.
Can bowl across phases but most effective in final overs where variations including slower balls trouble batsmen consistently.
Nuwan Thushara Net Worth
Net worth is estimated at ₹15 crore (2026). Income sources include:
- Indian Premier League salary: ₹1.60 crore from RCB (2026)
- Previous IPL contract: ₹4.80 crore from Mumbai Indians
- Sri Lanka Cricket Board contract fees
- T20I match fees from international appearances
- Lanka Premier League contracts
- Franchise leagues globally including SA20, ILT20, PSL
The net worth reflects growing reputation as T20 specialist cricketer across multiple leagues and international cricket.
Family, Personal Life & Relationship
Father details remain private but encouraged cricket from early stage from rural Thalawa village supported dreams despite limited resources.
Mother also kept personal life private while being constant supporter throughout development years.
Two elder brothers remained close providing support system as he pursued cricket professionally leaving tennis-ball tournaments.
Attended Thalawa Junior National School in Elpitiya, Sri Lanka. Follows Buddhism religion with mother tongue being Sinhala.
Coaches Kumara Helambage and Anusha Samaranayake mentored early development helping refine unique bowling action.
Idol is Lasith Malinga whose slingy action he replicates successfully becoming known as “Little Malinga” throughout Sri Lankan cricket circles.
Team Sri Lanka Prospects
Regular fixture in Sri Lankan T20I team since 2022 debut. Dates Joined progression: Sinhalese Sports Club (2015), Colombo Cricket Club (2018), Sri Lanka T20I (2022), Mumbai Indians (2024), RCB (2025).
Strong T20I record with 36 wkts positions him well for future limited-overs opportunities including potential ODI Career.
Social Media Profile
| Platform | Handle |
|---|---|
| nuwan.thushara53 | |
| X (Twitter) | NuwanThushara53 |
| 100077784638830 |
FAQs
Q1. What is Nuwan Thushara date of birth?
Answer: He was Born on August 6, 1994, at Thalawa, Alpitiya, Sri Lanka.
Q2. What is Nuwan Thushara ipl team for 2026 & IPL Price?
Answer: His IPL Team is Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and the IPL Price 2026 is ₹1.60 crore.
Q3. What is Nuwan’s highest wickets in cricket?
Answer: Highest wickets are 174 in T20s, 50 in List A, 36 in T20Is, and 9 in IPL, showcasing T20 specialist record.
Q4. How many five-wicket hauls has Nuwan taken?
Answer: Took 1 five-wicket haul in T20Is (5/20) and 2 in T20 format including best of 5/13 at 31 years.








