On August 17, 1990, Sri Lanka welcomed a cricketing prodigy, Mathurage Don Kusal Janith Perera, better known as Kusal Perera. Over the years, Kusal has become a vital figure in Sri Lanka’s cricketing landscape, making a name for himself with his explosive batting and fearless approach at the crease. As he turns 34 today, we reflect on the highlights of his remarkable journey in the sport.
Early Life and Inspiration
Kusal’s journey began in Colombo, where he attended Kottawa Dharmapala Maha Vidyalaya and later, Royal College. Interestingly, he started as a right-handed batter but switched to batting left-handed. He did so as he was inspired by his childhood idol, Sri Lankan legend Sanath Jayasuriya. This decision shaped his future as he adopted a similar aggressive style, which would later earn him comparisons to Jayasuriya.
Kusal’s talent was evident early in his career, especially during his domestic cricket performances. His most notable achievement came in a first-class match where he scored an astonishing 330 runs off just 270 balls, setting a national record. His prowess caught the attention of IPL scouts, and he made his debut for Rajasthan Royals in the 2013 season.
International Debut and Rise to Fame
Kusal made his international debut in 2013, first in ODIs and then in T20Is against Australia. His fearless approach and ability to hit the ball hard quickly made him a standout player. After the retirement of legends Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene, Kusal was seen as the future of Sri Lankan cricket as he stepped up as a key opener.
One of his most memorable performances came in March 2013, during a T20I against Bangladesh, where he scored his first half-century, leading Sri Lanka to victory. His consistent performances in T20Is earned him the title of “Little Sana,” a nod to his resemblance in style to Jayasuriya.
Leadership and Recent Challenges
In May 2021, Kusal was named captain of the Sri Lanka ODI team for the series against Bangladesh, a testament to his leadership qualities and experience. However, like many athletes, Kusal’s career has seen its share of ups and downs, including injuries that have kept him out of crucial matches.
Off the field, Kusal married his long-time partner Kalani in 2020, a moment of joy amidst his intense cricketing journey. As he celebrates his 34th birthday, Kusal Perera remains a significant figure in Sri Lankan cricket, admired not just for his records but for his resilience and determination.