লাহিরু গামাগে

A bowler with the ability to swing the ball in the dust bowls of Sri Lanka is always a handful. Lahiru Gamage presents himself as one such option with the new ball. A right-handed seamer by trade, he has been a part of the First-Class structure for quite some time now. Since 2006, he has been involved in a number of clubs in the domestic circuit ranging from Police Sports Club, Chilaw Marians Cricket Club, Nondescripts Cricket Club, Singha Sports Club and Tamil Union Cricket Club.

An opportunity provided itself during a hurriedly arranged ODI tour to India in 2014, where he got the chance to make his debut in the absence of some of the regulars in the side. He kept shuttling in and out of the Test squad for the next two years, before finally getting his debut cap against Pakistan in 2017.

Later in the season, he became the highest wicket-taker in the Super Four Provincial Tournament, finishing with ten wickets. But given that Sri Lanka play most of their cricket at home on dustbowls with three spinners, it has been tough for him to get a consistent look in at the highest level. But despite that, he remains a notable figure in the ‘A’ circuit and his ability with the ball always ensures that he remains a name to be pondered upon in the days to come.

By - Vineet Anantharaman