Sri Lanka is a country that has long produced world-class bowlers, putting it on the map with their skill, spin, and swing, which in turn is a result of great determination. From the greats of the past like Muttiah Muralitharan and Chaminda Vaas to present-day talent, we see a continual evolution of Sri Lanka’s bowling attack.
Top 10 Sri Lankan bowlers:
1. Wanindu Hasaranga
In 2025, Wanindu Hasaranga is the man to watch in Sri Lankan bowling. A master of the leg break with a very aggressive approach to the game, he has grown into a premier T20 bowler, which is a worldwide phenomenon. What he brings to the table with his doosra and mix of deliveries is a study in itself, which many a time leaves out even the best batsmen in the game. Also, beyond just bowling, he is a full package player who can turn a match around for Sri Lanka in all formats, white ball and red.
2. Maheesh Theekshana
In the case of Maheesh Theekshana, it is his carrom balls and mystery spin that have seen him do well. He has also grown to become the go-to man for power play in Sri Lanka. What also works for Theekshana is his control, which he brings to line and length, making him a threat on turners as well as on flat tracks. In 2025, what we also saw was Theekshana’s cool under pressure and his ability to adapt to any match situation, which has made him one of Sri Lanka’s most reliable bowlers.
3. Dilshan Madushanka
Dilshan Madushanka is the leader of Sri Lanka’s fast bowling attack. He has developed into a full-fledged fast bowler who also has the skill to swing the ball both ways at very high speed. Known for his natural aggressive style and also consistent performance, which made him a main man in the Test and ODI teams. Also, what makes Madushanka stand out is his discipline and work rate, which have brought out comparisons with the great Chaminda Vaas.
4. Dushmantha Chameera
In 2025 and beyond, Dushmantha Chameera is still one of the fastest in Asia. What he has in pace, along with that devilish seam movement, is an issue for the top-order batsmen. After coming back from what had been a series of injuries early in his career, which saw him out for long periods, Chameera’s experience and leadership have been the glue that has held together the younger fast bowlers coming through the ranks.
5. Lahiru Kumara
Lahiru Kumara is still the spark that sets Sri Lanka’s bowling attack on fire. What he lacks in experience, he makes up for in pace and bounce, which in turn he uses to break up key partnerships. Also, over the past few years, he has developed more in terms of accuracy and fitness issues, which in turn has made him a very reliable name in any team for us to put out there. In Test cricket, he is at his destructive best, which in turn keeps Sri Lanka in the game against the better teams.
6. Kasun Rajitha
Kasun Rajitha is a quiet but very effective member of the pace attack, which he has been proving with his consistent displays and control of the new ball. Though not the fastest of bowlers, he has been a delight to watch as he swings the ball late in the spell, which in turn has resulted in early wickets for Sri Lanka. Also, what is very impressive is the steady progress and experience that Rajitha brings to the table, which in turn makes him an asset, particularly to thelonger-format games.
7. Jeffrey Vandersay
Jeffrey Vandersay has been a consistent presence as a reliable leg spinner in the Sri Lankan team. He brings to the table experience, variation, and tactical acumen, which we see play out in the middle overs, very much so in the ODIs. Also, it is his composed nature and adaptability which has seen him through as younger spinners have come into the picture.
8. Mathisha Pathirana
Nicknamed “Baby Malinga” for his action, which is as easy as a breakaway in football, Matheesha Pathirana is the future of Sri Lanka’s fast bowling. His three-quarter pace deliveries and that trick slow ball have made him a T20 hit. In 2025, it began to see the growth of its maturity and control on the international stage. He personifies the bold and fearless approach of present-day Sri Lankan cricket.
9. Prabhath Jayasuriya
In Test cricket, Prabhath Jayasuriya is the best left-arm spinner for Sri Lanka. What sets him apart is that he takes on turns, and also the fact that he can go the distance. Jayasuriya’s craft in the variations of his delivery and also his fine control have seen Sri Lanka dominate at home in Tests and also put up a challenge against the better sides overseas.
10. Nuwan Thushara
Nuwan Thushara, also a pacer who looked up to Lasith Malinga, has become a key player in Sri Lanka’s T20 team. His ability to deliver deadly yorkers and to change pace has made him a tough bowler to handle in death overs. Thushara’s action, which is out of the ordinary, and his fearless approach add that extra dimension to Sri Lanka’s fast bowling unit.
Sri Lanka’s Bowling Future
In 2025, Sri Lanka’s bowling will see a new era. With better training, raised fitness levels, and the mentorship of legends like Malinga and Vaas, we see Sri Lanka’s bowlers back on top of the international stage.
From ball players who craft spin to the incendiary pacers, these players embody skill but also the heart and tenacity of Sri Lankan cricket. In the coming decade, we see an exciting chapter in which Sri Lanka may well see itself back in the elite group of true bowling powers.
