Nuwan Thushara is a fast bowler from Thalawa, Sri Lanka, who represents the Sri Lankan national cricket team in T20 internationals. He is a fast bowler with a slinging action and has often drawn comparisons with Lasith Malinga for his unique bowling action.
Nuwan Thushara made his international debut in February 2022 against Australia for the Sri Lanka cricket team. Speaking of the Indian Premier League, Nuwan plays for the Mumbai Indians. Nuwan also represented domestic teams such as Galle Gladiators, Sri Lanka, Quetta Gladiators, and Deccan Gladiators. As of now, he is playing for IPL side Royal Challengers Bengaluru. In this blog, we will guide you through Nuwan Thushara age, height, family, wife, career stats, net worth, and much more.
Nuwan Thushara: Profile
Nuwan’s full name is Ilandari Dewage Nuwan Thushara, and known by the nickname Podi Malinga among his fans and followers. Nuwan was born on August 6, 1994, in Thalawa, Elpitiya, Sri Lanka. He follows the religion of Buddhism, and by nationality, he is Sri Lankan. Besides the profession, Thushara likes Travelling, Fitness, and listening to Music. He is a Right-Hand batsman, and Nuwan Thushara bowling style is Right-arm medium fast. Nuwan’s jersey number is #53 for Sri Lanka. Kumara. Helambage and Anusha Samaranayake are the coaches of Nuwan, who supported him.
| Real Name/ Full Name | Ilandari Dewage Nuwan Thushara |
| Nickname | Podi Malinga |
| Date of Birth | 6 August 1994 |
| Place of Birth | Thalawa, Alpitiya, Sri Lanka |
| Religion | Buddhism |
| Nationality | Sri Lankan |
| Profession | Cricketer |
| Batting Style | Right-Hand Bat |
| Bowling Style | Right Arm Medium Fast |
| Playing Role | Bowler |
| Jersey Number | #53 Sri Lanka |
| Coach/ Mentor | Kumara HelambageAnusha Samaranayake |
| Hobbies | Travelling, Fitness, and Listening to Music |
Nuwan Thushara Age
As of 2025, Nuwan’s age is 31 years old, born in 1994. His zodiac sign is Leo because Thushara was born in August.
Nuwan Thushara Height and Physical Appearance
Thushara’s height measures 5ft 6in (in feet & inches), 170cm (in centimeters), and 1.70m (in meters). Her weight measures 72kg (in kilograms) and 158lbs (in pounds). Nuwan has a fit and athletic body. Now let’s talk about Thushara’s physical appearance, having black eyes and hair with a dusky skin tone. He has a strong body and a charismatic personality.
| Height | 5ft 6in (in feet & inches)170cm (in centimeters)1.70m (in meters) |
| Weight | 72kg (in kilograms)158lbs (in pounds) |
| Body Type | Fit and Athletic |
| Hair Colour | Black |
| Eye Colour | Black |
| Skin Colour | Dusky |
Early Life and Educational Qualifications
Nuwan completed his secondary education at Thalwa Junior National School in Elpitiya, Sri Lanka. As per the reports, Nuwan has already completed his graduation and later started his professional cricket career. His desire for fast bowling started in his teen years, seeing Lasith Malinga. He started admiring and imitating Malinga in the local grounds with the help of a tennis ball. This gained him the nickname “Podi Malinga,” which means Little Malinga in Sinhalese.
During the school years, Nuwan was trained under local trainers and later participated in a tournament named six-a-side softball tournaments and represented local clubs. A politician noticed his talent and sponsored him into the profession.
But his huge recognition was not overnight or immediate. Nuwan maintained small jobs while playing cricket in Gampaha and Colombo. He made his first-class debut in 2015 when he joined the Sinhalese Sports Club. Nuwan’s dedication is a combination of natural bowling aggression.
Nuwan Thushara Family
Nuwan Thushara father is Ilandari Dewage, who has been a supportive figure and introduced him to cricket. Thushara’s mother’s name is Niramala Dewage; she has been the emotional support in his career journey. Nirmala, the mother of Nuwan, is a homemaker. Apart from the parents, N Thushara has two elder brothers.
| Relation | Name |
| Mother | Nirmala Dewage |
| Father | Ilandari Dewage |
| Siblings | Two Elder Brothers |
Nuwan Thushara Relationship
Moving to Thushara’s relationship, Nuwan Thushara wife is Chewanthi Perera. As Nuwan posted a Happy second year anniversary dear wife on his instagram handle on September 2022. It means that they were married atleast two years prior. Also together they both have a son after marriage.
Career Highlights of Nuwan Thushara
If we talk about sports career of Nuwan Thushara, then his career represents the transition from a domestic circuit bowler to an International cricketer. Let’s dive into some of the career highlights:
- He made first first-class debut in the year 2015 for the Sinhalese Sports Club.
- In 2020-2023, achieved fame in the Lanka Premier League with Galle Gladiators.
- In February 2022, he made his T20I debut for Sri Lanka against Australia.
- Nuwan became popular with a T20I hat-trick and a five-wicket haul against Bangladesh in March 2024.
- He represented Sri Lanka in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in 2024.
- Nuwan signed Mumbai Indians (2024) for Rs 4.8 Crore and later signed Royal Challengers Bengaluru for Rs 1.6 Crore.
- Nuwan Thushara bowling speed is 135-140 Km/hr.
- He recently featured in Sri Lankan team for Asia Cup 2025 tournament.
Debut Matches
| Debut Date | Format | Debut Match | Venue |
| 26 December 2015 | First-Class | Sinhalese Sports Club vs Negombo CC | Colombo |
| 10 March 2018 | List A | Colombo CC vs Kurunegala YCC | Colombo |
| 13 February 2022 | T20I | Sri Lanka vs Australia | Sydney |
| 2022 | ODI | Sri Lanka vs Australia | Colombo |
Recent Performances
| Date | Opponent | Format | Bowling | Venue |
| 18-Sep-2025 | Afghanistan | T20I | 4/18 | Abu Dhabi |
| 20-Sep-2025 | Bangladesh | T20I | 1/42 | Dubai (DICS) |
| 23-Sep-2025 | Pakistan | T20I | 0/29 | Abu Dhabi |
| 26-Sep-2025 | India | T20I | 0/43 | Dubai (DICS) |
Nuwan Thushara Stats
Given below are the stats of Nuwan Thushara in bowling, batting and fielding across different formats.
| Competition | T20I | FC | LA | T20 |
| Matches | 28 | 5 | 44 | 130 |
| Runs scored | 9 | 2 | 10 | 40 |
| Batting average | 4.5 | 1 | 2.5 | 4 |
| 100s/50s | 0/0 | 0/0 | 0/0 | 0/0 |
| Top score | 6 | 1* | 4* | 7* |
| Balls bowled | 569 | 312 | 1,413 | 2,539 |
| Wickets | 36 | 2 | 50 | 170 |
| Bowling average | 20.94 | 118.5 | 24.62 | 20.27 |
| 5 wickets in an innings | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| 10 wickets in a match | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Best bowling | 5/20 | 2/37 | 4/35 | 5/13 |
| Catches/Stumpings | 2 | 1 | 6 | 15 |
Nuwan Thushara Current Teams
Now, let’s get to know about Nuwan’s current teams, which are mentioned below:
- Royal Challengers Bengaluru
- Mi Cape Town
- Dambulla
- SLC Greens
- Colombo Cricket Club
- Quetta Gladiators
- Fortune Barishal
- Colombo
Awards and Achievements
- He became the 5th Sri Lankan bowler to hit a T20I hat-trick against Bangladesh in 2024.
- Recorded a 5 Wicket haul in the same cricket match.
- Represented Sri Lanka in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024.
- Played for various franchises like the Mumbai Indians, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru, and the Galle Gladiators.
Nuwan Thushara Net Worth
As of 2025, Nuwan’s net worth is estimated to be over $2 million (Rs 16 Crore). He generated his income through international matches and IPL contracts. Nuwan was bought by RCB for Rs 1.6 Crore as per the reports in 2025. Also in 2024, for Rs. 4.8 Crore with the Mumbai Indians. For the International earnings SLC contract earns him $40,000.
| IPL 2025 | Rs 1.6 Crore |
| IPL 2024 | Rs 4.8 Crore |
| International Earnings | $ 40,000 |
| Total Net Worth | $2 Million (Rs 16 Crore) |
Social Media Handles
Nuwan Thushara Instagram has 173K followers, and on X account has 2.8K followers, and on Facebook has 15K followers. Nuwan is famous among his fans and followers.
| Social Media Account | Followers/ Subscribers | Username |
| 173K | @nuwan.thushara53 | |
| 2.8K | @NuwanThushara53 | |
| 15K | @NuwanThushara |
Upcoming Matches of Nuwan Thushara
Speaking of upcoming matches of Nuwan Thushara are given below:
- Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan T20I Series in November 2025.
- RCB Preseason Training Camp in December 2025.
- Lanka Premier League 2025 (Galle Gladiators).
Conclusion
Nuwan Thushara is emerging as the fastest bowler of Sri Lanka, who is fearless and effective. His ability to make international and franchise cricket similar. In 2025, he continues to emerge under the limelight of T20 leagues. Thushara is carrying forward the legacy of bowling ahead. He achieved recognition by getting a nickname, Podi Malinga.
Article Code: Srv-CBR-44
