Eshan Malinga: The Sri Lankan Prodigy Set to Dazzle IPL 2025
The IPL is no stranger to surprises, but when Sunrisers Hyderabad splashed ₹1.2 crore on a relatively unknown Sri Lankan pacer, Eshan Malinga, the cricketing world sat up and took notice. The 23-year-old, carrying the weight of a legendary surname, is not just here to fill shoes—he’s here to carve his own path. Let’s dive into why this young bowler is being hailed as the next big thing in cricket.
A Legacy Like No Other
Yes, the last name is no coincidence—Eshan Malinga is the nephew of the legendary Lasith Malinga. But while many might see the connection as a ticket to fame, Eshan’s journey is built on talent and grit. Known for his lethal yorkers and impeccable control in death overs, Eshan has already begun earning comparisons to his uncle. However, he’s quick to clarify, “I want to be Eshan, not just ‘Malinga’s nephew.’”
Why SRH Broke the Bank for Him
The Sunrisers Hyderabad aren’t new to spotting raw talent, but their bid for Eshan raised eyebrows. After all, Eshan’s stats, while solid, don’t scream out of the ordinary. In 13 T20s, he has taken as many wickets with an economy of 7.35. But the devil is in the details. His performance in the Emerging Teams Asia Cup was where he truly shone. Despite modest wicket tallies, his economy rate of just 6.36 over 19.1 overs showcased his ability to throttle runs—a skill worth its weight in gold in T20 cricket.
SRH’s bowling attack already boasts heavyweights like Pat Cummins and Mohammad Shami, but adding Eshan into the mix signals their intent to groom the next generation. His ability to bowl pinpoint yorkers in crunch situations is precisely what makes him a potential game-changer.
A Meteoric Rise to Stardom
Hailing from Ratnapura, Sri Lanka, Eshan’s cricketing journey began on local grounds where he consistently outperformed his peers. He made his T20 debut for Ragama Cricket Club in 2022, followed by strong performances in List A cricket. In just 12 matches, he grabbed 20 wickets at an average of 25.15, including a standout five-wicket haul.
His crowning moment? A maiden call-up to Sri Lanka’s ODI squad for the series against New Zealand. The selectors are clearly watching, and his consistent performances suggest he’s ready for the international spotlight.
Living the IPL Dream
For Eshan, the IPL isn’t just another tournament; it’s the biggest stage in cricket. “To share a dressing room with legends like Pat Cummins is a dream come true,” he said in a recent interview. At SRH, he’ll have the opportunity to hone his skills under world-class guidance, preparing him for the high-pressure moments that define T20 cricket.
But the real question is: can Eshan Malinga live up to the legacy of his surname while crafting his own? With raw talent, a strong support system, and an IPL contract that screams potential, the odds are in his favor. The 2025 IPL season promises to be a blockbuster, and Eshan Malinga is one name people will be watching closely.
