Published: Jul 22, 2016, 02:18 PM (IST)
Edited: Jul 22, 2016, 03:41 PM (IST)
Nuwan Kulasekara has been a regular for Sri Lanka for a decade (barring Sri Lanka’s recent tour to England). Kulasekara called it quits to Test cricket in June as he was not picked in the side for England tour. Kulasekara has taken 186 wickets in 173 One-Day Internationals (ODIs), 48 wickets in 21 Tests and 56 wickets in 50 Twenty20 (T20). He has an impressive economy rate as well. He has been playing the role of a bowling all-rounder for Sri Lanka. Kulasekara has chipped in with bat every now and then. In ODIs, he has 1,273 runs to his name which includes four half centuries. His batting record in ODIs is pretty impressive given the fact that he comes in to bat lower down the order. ALSO READ: Sri Lanka’s Nuwan Kulasekara announces retirement from Test cricket
Kulasekara has always been under shadows of Chaminda Vaas and later under Lasith Malinga. He never made it big in Test going on and off the squad. Kulasekara reached his career best in 2009 when he reached No.1 spot in ICC ODI bowling rankings. His best bowling record is considered to be 5 for 22 when he made Australian batsmen fall one after another in 2013 at Gabba. Following his career best effort, Australia bundled out for 74 in 26.4 overs.
He was included in Sri Lanka’s T20 World Cup winning side in 2014. Kulasekara bowled beautifully in the death overs along with Lasith Malinga, restricting India post a huge total. Kulasekara also had a stint with Chennai Super Kings in 2012. He managed to play only six IPL matches in which he bagged five wickets.
