Isuru Udana Tillakaratna, a cricketer who hails from the emerald isles of Sri Lanka, has carved a niche for himself in the world of cricket with his distinctive left-arm medium-fast bowling and competent batting skills. Born on February 17, 1988, in Balangoda, Sri Lanka, Udana’s journey in cricket began in the lush landscapes of his homeland, known for its passionate cricketing culture. Rising through the ranks, he first garnered attention in the international arena with his debut for the Sri Lanka A team during their 2008 tour to South Africa. His performances in the domestic circuit, notably for Tamil Union and Wayamba, further solidified his reputation as a versatile all-rounder, capable of changing the game’s complexion with both bat and ball.
Udana’s play style, marked by his ability to swing the ball and his prowess as a lower-order batsman, has made him a valuable asset in various formats of the game, particularly in T20 cricket. His career, spanning over a decade, has seen him participate in several prestigious leagues and tournaments, including the Sri Lanka Premier League, Indian Premier League, and the Global T20 Canada, showcasing his skills on an international scale. Despite facing challenges in consistently translating his domestic success to the international level, Udana’s resilience and adaptability have been hallmarks of his cricketing journey. His contributions to the teams he has represented, both in Sri Lanka and abroad, reflect not just his skill as a cricketer but also his spirit and dedication to the sport.
Isuru Udana Batting Career Stats
| Format | M | Inn | NO | Runs | HS | Avg | BF | SR | 100 | 200 | 50 | 4s | 6s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ODI | 21 | 18 | 4 | 237 | 78 | 16.93 | 249 | 95.18 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 17 | 10 |
| T20I | 35 | 25 | 11 | 256 | 84 | 18.29 | 186 | 137.63 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 16 | 14 |
| IPL | 10 | 4 | 1 | 15 | 10 | 5.0 | 11 | 136.36 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
Bowling Career Stats
| Format | M | Inn | B | Runs | Wkts | BBI | BBM | Econ | Avg | SR | 5W | 10W |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ODI | 21 | 21 | 909 | 950 | 18 | 3/82 | 3/82 | 6.27 | 52.78 | 50.5 | 0 | 0 |
| T20I | 35 | 32 | 631 | 915 | 27 | 3/11 | 3/11 | 8.7 | 33.89 | 23.37 | 0 | 0 |
| IPL | 10 | 10 | 174 | 282 | 8 | 2/41 | 2/41 | 9.72 | 35.25 | 21.75 | 0 | 0 |
Career Information
ODI debut vs India at Mahinda Rajapaksa International Stadium, Jul 24, 2012
Last ODI vs India at R.Premadasa Stadium, Jul 18, 2021
T20 debut vs Australia at Trent Bridge, Jun 08, 2009
Last T20 vs India at R.Premadasa Stadium, Jul 28, 2021
IPL debut vs Mumbai Indians at Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Sep 28, 2020
Last IPL vs Delhi Capitals at Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Nov 02, 2020
Biography
Isuru Udana Tillakaratna, a distinguished cricketer from Sri Lanka, was born on February 17, 1988, in Balangoda, Sri Lanka. His early life was marked by a growing passion for cricket, a sport deeply ingrained in Sri Lankan culture. From a young age, Udana displayed a keen interest in the game, often engaging in cricket with his peers and honing his skills. This early exposure to cricket was crucial in shaping his future career, as he gradually evolved from a casual player into a serious aspirant of the sport. His hometown, Balangoda, known for its scenic beauty and rich cultural heritage, provided a supportive environment for his budding talent, allowing him to immerse himself in the game he loved.
Udana’s education played a significant role in balancing his early cricketing pursuits. He attended Dharmapala Vidyalaya in Pannipitiya for his primary and secondary education, where he not only excelled academically but also took active part in school cricket. During these formative years, Udana’s cricketing skills noticeably improved, and he became a prominent figure in school-level cricket tournaments. His ability to swing the ball, coupled with his left-arm fast bowling, started to get recognition, laying the foundation for his future in professional cricket. The education system, supportive teachers, and the emphasis on sports within the school curriculum played a pivotal role in nurturing his talents, enabling him to strike a balance between academic commitments and his growing dedication to cricket.
Isuru Udana Cricket Career from First International Debut to Retirement Announcement
Isuru Udana, a prominent figure in both domestic and franchise cricket, began his career with a strong start while playing for the Sri Lanka A team. His debut in first-class and List A cricket occurred during their tour to South Africa in August and September 2008. This initial exposure to high-level cricket was a significant stepping stone in his career. Following this, Udana joined Tamil Union for the 2008–09 season, playing in both first-class and List A formats. His skills were further recognized when he was chosen to play for Wayamba in the Sri Lankan Inter-Provincial Cricket Tournament. Udana’s performance in this tournament was noteworthy, especially in the Twenty20 final against Basnahira South, where he was named Man of the Match for his exceptional bowling, taking 4 wickets for 31 runs. His overall impact in the tournament earned him the title of Player of the Tournament.
Udana’s versatility was on full display in the Sri Lanka Premier League of August 2012, where he played for Wayamba United. He demonstrated his all-round abilities by taking regular wickets and contributing with the bat. A memorable performance came in the tournament semi-final against Uva Next, where he scored 42 runs in a nearly successful chase, showcasing his batting prowess. Additionally, he and Azhar Mahmood set a record for the highest 8th wicket partnership in T20 cricket. Another highlight of Udana’s career came in September 2010 during the Champions League T20, where he achieved a rare hat-trick with two legal deliveries, a first in the tournament’s history. His domestic success continued as he led as the top wicket-taker in various tournaments, including the 2018 Super Provincial One Day Tournament for Kandy and the 2018–19 Afghanistan Premier League.
Udana’s franchise career was equally impressive. He played for the Montreal Tigers in the Global T20 Canada tournament’s inaugural edition in 2018 and was drafted by several teams in various leagues, including the Rajshahi Kings in the Bangladesh Premier League and the Paarl Rocks in the Mzansi Super League. In 2020, he joined the Royal Challengers Bangalore in the IPL auction, and later, he was picked by the Colombo Kings for the Lanka Premier League. After being released by the Royal Challengers Bangalore in 2021, he was picked by the Trinbago Knight Riders for the Caribbean Premier League, where he achieved his best T20 bowling figures. Later in 2021, he was selected for the Galle Gladiators in the Lanka Premier League, and in 2022, he joined the Kandy Falcons for the third edition of the same league.
Udana’s international career was marked by its ups and downs. He was selected for the Sri Lanka squad for the 2009 ICC World Twenty20, making his debut against Australia. Despite initial success, Udana faced challenges in translating his domestic performances to the international level, leading to a hiatus from the national team. He made a comeback in 2012 but struggled to make a significant impact in bilateral series. However, he saw a resurgence in 2016 during a series against New Zealand, despite some initial setbacks. In 2018, he received a national contract from Sri Lanka Cricket, and in 2019, he achieved the record for the highest individual score batting at number eight in a T20I match. Udana was part of Sri Lanka’s squad for the 2019 Cricket World Cup but suffered an injury in 2020 during a series against India, which led to his exclusion from the rest of the series. On July 31, 2021, Udana announced his retirement from international cricket, marking the end of an eventful and notable career in the sport.
Play Style
Isuru Udana, a notable Sri Lankan cricketer, is recognized for his distinctive play style which contributed significantly to his success in both domestic and international cricket. Udana is primarily known for his left-arm medium-fast bowling, which has been a key aspect of his cricketing prowess. His ability to deliver the ball with precision and pace made him a formidable bowler in various formats of the game. Additionally, Udana is also a right-handed batsman, showcasing versatility in his cricketing skills.
His role as an all-rounder was especially highlighted in T20 formats, where his capability to contribute significantly with both bat and ball was evident. Udana’s performances in various leagues and tournaments have shown his adaptability and skill in different conditions and against a variety of opponents. This adaptability has been a hallmark of his career, allowing him to be effective in various roles within the teams he played for.
Conclusion
As Isuru Udana’s cricketing journey unfolds, it’s clear that his impact on the sport extends beyond mere statistics. His ability to perform under pressure, especially in T20 leagues around the world, has not only won him accolades but also the admiration of cricket enthusiasts. Udana’s unique combination of left-arm pace bowling and lower-order batting prowess has made him an asset to any team he has played for. Despite facing ups and downs in his international career, his commitment and passion for the game have never waned. Udana’s journey serves as a testament to the dynamic nature of cricket, where adaptability and perseverance are key to longevity and success.
Reflecting on Udana’s career, one can’t help but appreciate the richness and diversity of talent in the world of cricket. His story is one of resilience, dedication, and the relentless pursuit of excellence, qualities that resonate with aspiring cricketers worldwide. As he moves forward, whether on the field or beyond, Isuru Udana’s legacy in cricket will undoubtedly remain influential. His journey underscores the essence of sportsmanship and the spirit of cricket, inspiring the next generation of cricketers to chase their dreams with the same fervor and commitment.