Pathum Nissanka is a top-order right-handed batter from Sri Lanka who has completely transformed his game over the years. Born in Galle to humble beginnings – his father worked as a groundsman and his mother sold flowers near a temple – Nissanka worked hard to earn his place on the international stage. He made his Test debut in March 2021 and scored a century in that very first match, becoming the first Sri Lankan to hit a hundred on debut away from home. While he was initially seen as a steady player suited for longer formats, Nissanka has since changed that image completely. He learned to play modern cricket shots like the lap scoop and reverse sweep, and his strike rate in T20Is jumped to nearly 144 since 2024. Today, he holds several Sri Lankan records, including being the first from his country to score an ODI double hundred and the first to hit multiple T20I hundreds. He also plays for Delhi Capitals in the IPL, proving he can succeed in any format of the game.
