Who is Kusal Perera?
Kusal Perera is a distinguished Sri Lankan cricketer known for his explosive batting style and exceptional skill in limited-overs cricket. Born on August 17, 1990, in Kegalle, Sri Lanka, Perera is regarded as one of the most dynamic players in Sri Lanka’s recent cricketing history. With his aggressive approach, he has made significant contributions to the Sri Lankan national team, particularly in the opening and middle-order positions. Known for his ability to play under pressure, Kusal is celebrated for his powerful hitting and innovative stroke play.
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Name | Kusal Perera |
| Date of birth | August 17, 1990 |
| Place of birth | Kalubowila, Sri Lanka |
| Parents | Not publicly available |
| Education | Not publicly available |
| Occupation | Professional Cricketer |
| Notable cases | Not applicable |
| Awards and honors | Not publicly available |
| Personal life | Married to Kelani |
| Another name | Kusal Janith Perera |
| Profession | Cricketer |
| Height | 5 ft 6 in (1.68 m) |
| Weight | Not publicly available |
| Eye Colour | Not publicly available |
| Hair Colour | Not publicly available |
| Debut | Test: August 28, 2015 <br> ODI: July 16, 2013 <br> T20I: December 19, 2012 |
| Date of Birth | August 17, 1990 |
| Age | 33 (as of July 4, 2023) |
| Birthplace | Kalubowila, Sri Lanka |
| Zodiac sign | Leo |
| Nationality | Sri Lankan |
| Hometown | Kalubowila, Sri Lanka |
| School | Not publicly available |
| College/University | Not publicly available |
| Educational Qualification | Not publicly available |
| Food Habit | Not publicly available |
| Hobby | Not publicly available |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Affairs/Girlfriend | N/A (Married to Kelani) |
| Spouse | Kelani |
| Parents | Not publicly available |
| Siblings | Not publicly available |
| Car Collections | Not publicly available |
| Bike Collections | Not publicly available |
| Salary/Income | Not publicly available |
| Assets | Not publicly available |
| Net Worth | Not publicly available |
| Not publicly available | |
| Not publicly available | |
| Not publicly available | |
| YouTube | Not publicly available |
| IMDb | Not applicable |
Early Life Of Kusal Perera
Kusal’s cricketing journey began at a young age in his hometown of Kegalle. Growing up in a sports-oriented family, Kusal Perera’s father introduced him to cricket, recognizing his son’s natural talent and passion for the game. Perera began playing for local clubs and quickly moved into the Sri Lankan youth teams. His early years marked by dedication and hard work as he honed his skills in various formats. He made his mark in the Sri Lankan domestic circuit, which led to his call-up for national duties.
Career of Kusal Perera
Domestic Career of Kusal Perera
Kusal’s domestic career began in the early 2000s, where he played for the Sinhalese Sports Club, one of Sri Lanka’s most prominent cricket teams. His performances in domestic cricket were exceptional, particularly in the shorter formats. Perera’s versatility was evident as he adapted his game to both one-dayers and T20 formats, earning him a reputation as one of the most exciting prospects in Sri Lankan cricket. His consistent runs in the domestic tournaments caught the attention of selectors, paving the way for his national team debut.
International Career of Kusal Perera
Kusal Perera’s international career began in 2013 when he made his debut for Sri Lanka in both One Day Internationals (ODIs) and T20s. He quickly established himself as a key player in Sri Lanka’s middle-order, impressing with his quick scoring ability and solid technique. His memorable knock of 51 off just 39 balls against India in his early days set the tone for his international career. Perera’s fearless approach with the bat, especially in limited overs cricket, made him an invaluable asset for Sri Lanka in ODIs and T20s.
His breakthrough came when he scored a crucial century in the 2016 ICC T20 World Cup, cementing his status as one of the game’s exciting prospects. Over the years, Perera became known for his role in chases, where his ability to strike at critical moments stood out. He has represented Sri Lanka in several series and tournaments, earning accolades for his batting prowess.
| Format | Matches | Innings | Runs | Highest | Average | Strike Rate | 100s | 50s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 22 | 41 | 1177 | 153* | 30.97 | 72.25 | 2 | 7 |
| ODI | 116 | 111 | 3237 | 135 | 30.53 | 92.88 | 6 | 17 |
| T20I | 76 | 73 | 1907 | 84* | 27.24 | 131.51 | 0 | 15 |
Indian Premier League of Kusal Perera
Kusal Perera’s international appeal extended to the Indian Premier League (IPL) when the Rajasthan Royals picked him up in the 2019 IPL auction. Although his stint in the IPL limited, he gained valuable exposure to some of the best cricketing minds and players. His brief appearance in the IPL showcased his talent on the global stage, where he received praise for his aggressive batting approach, though an injury cut his time in the tournament short.
Why Sri-Lanka will not Participate in Champions Trophy
Sri Lanka’s Absence: Sri Lanka will not participate in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Marking the first time in history they have missed this prestigious event.
Reason for Omission: Their failure to qualify is due to a ninth-place finish in the 2023 Cricket World Cup. Securing only two wins in nine group-stage matches.
Qualification Criteria: The top seven teams from the World Cup. Along with the host nation Pakistan, earned a spot in the tournament.
Historical Significance: Sri Lanka, a former ICC Champions Trophy winner. Faces a notable setback, reflecting challenges in maintaining their competitive edge on the global stage.
Tournament Details:
- Dates: February 19 to March 9, 2025.
- Hosts: Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates.
- Participating Teams: Pakistan, India, Australia, England, New Zealand, South Africa, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan.
Broadcast Information: Fans can watch matches live on TV1 and via online streaming platforms.Implications for Sri Lanka:
- Highlights the need for introspection and a strategic rebuilding of their cricketing structure.
- Serves as a wake-up call to improve performance and secure future tournament qualifications.
Focus Ahead: Sri Lanka Cricket can use this period to nurture talent. Strengthen their team, and prepare for upcoming global challenges.
Achievements Of Kusal Perera
Kusal Perera’s career has marked by numerous achievements, both individually and as part of the Sri Lankan cricket team. Some of his key milestones include:
- A match-winning knock of 84 runs off 69 balls against South Africa in the 2016 ICC World T20.
- His dramatic 153* off 191 balls against New Zealand in 2019, one of his finest Test innings.
- Consistently contributing to Sri Lanka’s T20 and ODI campaigns with both aggressive and anchor roles.
- Integral part of the team in series wins against top cricketing nations like India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh.
He has also received numerous Player of the Match awards for his individual performances. Solidifying his place as one of Sri Lanka’s key players.
Family Of Kusal Perera
Kusal Perera comes from a close-knit family, and his early exposure to cricket was significantly influenced by his father, who was a former cricketer. His family has been supportive of his career, standing by him through the highs and lows of international cricket. Kusal’s commitment to his family is well known. And his family continues to be his pillar of strength throughout his cricketing journey.
Relationship Of Kusal Perera
Kusal Perera’s personal life is relatively private. However, he is known to have been in a committed relationship with his long-time partner. Who has been a supportive figure throughout his cricket career. Perera has occasionally shared glimpses of his personal life on social media, and his partner is often seen cheering him on during major tournaments.
