Kusal Perera, a name synonymous with audacious stroke-play and sheer cricketing prowess, stands as a testament to the rich cricketing heritage of Sri Lanka. Born on August 17, 1990, in Kalubowila, Sri Lanka, Perera has carved out a niche for himself in the international cricket arena with his aggressive batting style and competent wicket-keeping skills. His journey, from the dense green fields of St. Sebastian’s College, Moratuwa, to the star-studded stadiums of international cricket, mirrors the aspirations and dreams of many young cricketers in his homeland. Perera’s story is not just about his on-field exploits; it also reflects the spirit of Sri Lankan cricket, which consistently produces players who enchant the cricketing world with their flair and passion.
Perera’s career, marked by remarkable highs and challenging lows, encapsulates the life of a modern cricketer in an era where the sport extends beyond the boundary lines. His debut in international cricket, marked by replacing an injured player, was a harbinger of the impactful performances he was destined to deliver. Beyond the cricketing statistics and records, Perera’s life resonates with a narrative of resilience and dedication. From significant innings that have left indelible marks in the annals of cricket history to facing setbacks due to injuries, his journey is a compelling tale of perseverance. Off the field, his personal life, marked by a close-knit family and a cherished marital union, adds a layer of depth to his character, portraying him as not just a cricketer but also a man of substance.
Kusal Perera Batting Career Stats
| Format | M | Inn | NO | Runs | HS | Avg | BF | SR | 100 | 200 | 50 | 4s | 6s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 22 | 41 | 3 | 1177 | 153 | 30.97 | 1629 | 72.25 | 2 | 0 | 7 | 151 | 12 |
| ODI | 116 | 111 | 4 | 3237 | 135 | 30.25 | 3484 | 92.91 | 6 | 0 | 17 | 362 | 52 |
| T20I | 63 | 62 | 2 | 1660 | 84 | 27.67 | 1270 | 130.71 | 0 | 0 | 13 | 152 | 55 |
| IPL | 2 | 2 | 0 | 14 | 14 | 7.0 | 13 | 107.69 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 |
Career Information
Test debut vs India at Sinhalese Sports Club, Aug 28, 2015
Last Test vs England at Galle International Stadium, Jan 22, 2021
ODI debut vs Australia at Adelaide Oval, Jan 13, 2013
Last ODI vs New Zealand at M.Chinnaswamy Stadium, Nov 09, 2023
T20 debut vs Australia at Stadium Australia, Jan 26, 2013
Last T20 vs New Zealand at John Davies Oval, Apr 08, 2023
IPL debut vs Delhi Capitals at Arun Jaitley Stadium, Apr 06, 2013
Last IPL vs Pune Warriors at Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Apr 11, 2013
Biography
Kusal Perera, a Sri Lankan cricketer known for his aggressive left-handed batting style and wicket-keeping abilities, has made a significant mark in the world of cricket. Born on August 17, 1990, in Kalubowila, Sri Lanka, Kusal Janith Perera’s journey into the sport began from a very young age. His early life was characterized by a deep passion for cricket, which was evident in his involvement in the game during his school days.
Perera’s education and early cricketing experiences took place at St. Sebastian’s College, Moratuwa, a school with a rich cricketing tradition. It was here that he honed his skills and showcased his talent. St. Sebastian’s College has been a nurturing ground for many talented cricketers, and Perera was no exception. His time at the school saw him evolve from a budding cricketer into a promising talent, making significant contributions to the school’s cricket team.
During his school years, Perera’s natural flair for the game was evident. He was known for his aggressive batting, a trait that would later become his signature style on the international stage. His performances at the school level caught the attention of cricket scouts and coaches, paving the way for his entry into professional cricket. However, details of his higher education, if any, after his time at St. Sebastian’s College are not widely documented.
From these early beginnings, Kusal Perera’s journey in cricket transitioned from school-level competitions to the larger arena of professional cricket, where he would go on to establish himself as a key player for Sri Lanka.
Career Journey
Kusal Perera’s cricket career has been marked by notable achievements and challenges, including injuries that have impacted his play. He made a significant entry into international cricket as part of Sri Lanka’s squad that toured Australia in January 2013. His One Day International (ODI) debut came against Australia in the second ODI of that series, where he scored an unbeaten 14 from 16 balls, contributing to Sri Lanka’s win. His T20I debut in the same tour saw him score 33 from 22 balls, displaying an aggressive batting style reminiscent of Sri Lankan cricket legend Sanath Jayasuriya.
Perera’s Test debut for Sri Lanka was against India on August 28, 2015. He made a mark by scoring two successive half-centuries in this match, although Sri Lanka eventually lost the series. In the T20I match during Bangladesh’s tour of Sri Lanka on March 31, 2013, Perera scored his maiden T20I half-century, followed by his second T20I half-century against New Zealand in November 2013.
A highlight of Perera’s ODI career came on February 22, 2014, against Bangladesh, where he scored his maiden ODI ton. He also played in the 2014 ICC World Twenty20, contributing to Sri Lanka’s victory in the tournament.
However, Perera’s career has been periodically hindered by injuries. During the 2017 ICC Champions Trophy, he suffered a hamstring injury against India, which led to his immediate withdrawal from the tournament. This injury was part of a pattern, as he had experienced similar issues in previous years.
In domestic cricket, Perera has been actively involved in various leagues and tournaments. He played for Rajasthan Royals in the 2014 IPL season and was approached by Sunrisers Hyderabad for the 2019 season, though he declined the offer to focus on domestic cricket in Sri Lanka. He also held leadership roles, being named captain of Dambulla’s team for the Super Four provincial tournament and the Super Provincial One Day Tournament, as well as vice-captain for Kandy’s team in the SLC T20 League.
Perera’s career experienced a downturn in 2020, when he was dropped from the Sri Lanka Test squad for their tour of Zimbabwe after a series of low scores. His challenges continued with injuries and internal cricket politics in Sri Lanka, which impacted his involvement in international cricket.
Despite these setbacks, Perera’s career has had its moments of brilliance, such as his unforgettable 153 not out at Durban in 2019, which is regarded as one of the greatest innings in cricket history. However, he has struggled to maintain a consistent presence in the national team due to a combination of injuries, internal team dynamics, and the Covid-19 pandemic. As of 2021, Perera had not played for Sri Lanka in any format since the T20 World Cup and had been absent from professional cricket since the 2021 Lanka Premier League.
Kusal Perera`s Family Details
Kusal Perera, renowned for his contributions to Sri Lankan cricket, leads a life that blends his professional achievements with a stable personal life. Born Mathurage Don Kusal Janith Perera on August 17, 1990, in Kalubowila, Sri Lanka, he comes from a family where his father, Kithsiri Perera, and mother, PV Swarnalatha, have been his steadfast supporters.
Regarding his education, Perera attended Kottawa Dharmapala Maha Vidyalaya and later moved to the prestigious Royal College in Colombo, where he completed his graduation. This educational journey played a significant role in shaping his early cricketing career.
Perera’s personal life took a joyful turn when he married his long-time partner, Kalani, on March 3, 2020. The wedding ceremony was a celebrated event, held at the Water’s Edge hotel in Battaramulla, a scenic location in Sri Lanka. This union was a culmination of a deep and enduring relationship, bringing together their families and close friends in celebration.
Apart from his life on the cricket field, Perera is known to have a keen interest in various hobbies and personal interests. He is fond of animals, having two German Shepherds at home, and enjoys natural environments, evident in his interest in gardening. His favorite foods include submarine sandwiches, apple soda, and biltong, a testament to his diverse palate.
With a net worth estimated to be around $3 million, Perera’s successful cricket career has not only brought him fame but also financial stability. He continues to be an influential figure in Sri Lankan cricket, both on and off the field.
Kusal Perera follows Christianity as his religion. He is a citizen of Sri Lanka. This information about his religious beliefs and nationality helps in understanding the cultural background that has influenced his personal and professional life as an international cricketer.
Conclusion
Kusal Perera’s career in cricket, replete with both stellar achievements and formidable challenges, is a narrative of unyielding spirit and adaptability. His contributions to Sri Lankan cricket are far-reaching, having infused the team with his unique brand of aggressive batting and dependable wicket-keeping. Beyond the realms of his sporting endeavors, Perera’s life reflects a balanced amalgamation of personal fulfillment and professional commitment. His journey, punctuated by both personal milestones and professional landmarks, underscores the multifaceted nature of being an international sportsperson in today’s world.
As Perera continues to shape his legacy within the cricketing fraternity, his story remains an inspiring testament to resilience and passion. His ability to bounce back from injuries and adapt to the evolving dynamics of international cricket showcases a remarkable strength of character. Off the field, his grounded personal life, enriched by supportive family ties and a strong sense of community, adds another dimension to his persona. Kusal Perera, thus, emerges not just as a cricketer of extraordinary talent but also as an individual of profound depth, embodying the spirit and resilience necessary to excel in the demanding world of international sports. His journey, marked by both trials and triumphs, serves as an inspiration to aspiring cricketers and sports enthusiasts worldwide.