Nuwan Thushara is a Sri Lankan fast bowler nicknamed “Podi Malinga” (Little Malinga) for his slinging action similar to Lasith Malinga. As of 2026, he plays T20Is for Sri Lanka and was retained by Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the IPL, though he recently withdrew a legal case against Sri Lanka Cricket over a denied NOC.
Personal & Career Overview
- Full Name: Ilandari Dewage Nuwan Thushara
- Born: 6 August 1994, Thalawa, Sri Lanka
- Age: 31 (2026)
- Batting Style: Right‑handed
- Bowling Style: Right‑arm medium‑fast (slinging action)
- Role: Bowler
- Nickname: Podi Malinga
International Career
- T20I Debut: 13 February 2022 vs Australia (Sydney).
- Last T20I: 7 January 2026 vs Pakistan (Dambulla).
- Achievements:
- Took a hat‑trick vs Bangladesh in March 2024, becoming the 5th Sri Lankan bowler to achieve this in T20Is.
- Career‑best T20I figures: 5/20.
- Represented Sri Lanka in 30 T20Is, claiming 36 wickets at an average of ~21.
Nuwan Thushara Statistics
| Format | Matches | Wickets | Best Bowling | Avg | Economy | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| T20Is | 30 | 36 | 5/20 | 22.6 | 8.1 | |
| ODIs | Selected but yet to establish a regular place | |||||
| T20 (overall) | 137 | 174 | 5/13 | 21.2 | 8.2 |
Domestic & Franchise Career
- Sri Lanka: Colombo CC, Sinhalese SC, Galle Gladiators, Jaffna Kings, Dambulla Sixers.
- IPL: Mumbai Indians (2024), Royal Challengers Bengaluru (2025–26).
- Other Leagues: MI Cape Town (SA20), Gulf Giants (ILT20), Quetta Gladiators (PSL), Dubai Capitals, Deccan Gladiators.
Recent Controversy (2026)
- Denied a No Objection Certificate (NOC) by Sri Lanka Cricket after failing a new 2‑km fitness run test.
- Filed a legal case against SLC but withdrew it in April 2026, apologizing to the board.
- Missed most of IPL 2026 with Royal Challengers Bengaluru, despite being retained for ₹1.60 crore.
Legacy & Style
- Bowling Strengths: Slinging action, yorkers, slower balls — reminiscent of Lasith Malinga.
- Impact: Emerging as Sri Lanka’s T20 specialist, with franchise success across leagues.
- Challenges: Fitness standards and board relations may affect his long‑term international career.
See More: Nuwan Kulasekara