Dunith Wellalage’s stellar all-round performance against India earned him the prestigious ICC Men’s Player of the Month award for August 2024. The 21-year-old overcame stiff competition from South Africa’s Keshav Maharaj and West Indies’ Jayden Seales to claim the honor.
Wellalage, the former Sri Lanka U19 captain, made significant strides in his burgeoning international career during August. His exceptional contributions played a key role in Sri Lanka’s historic victory over India, marking their first bilateral ODI series win against the cricketing giants since 1997.
Facing the formidable challenge of India, who were the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup runner-up, Sri Lanka entered the series as underdogs. India had already secured a 3-0 T20I series sweep and welcomed back top stars like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, making them the clear favorites for the ODI series.
However, Wellalage’s all-round brilliance turned the tide for Sri Lanka. Scoring 108 runs and taking seven wickets, he contributed at critical moments throughout the series. In the first ODI, he hit a career-best 67* and took key wickets, including Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill, helping Sri Lanka tie the game in a thrilling finish.
In the second ODI, his fighting 39 was crucial to Sri Lanka’s winning total. Though he missed out with the bat in the third ODI, Wellalage delivered career-best bowling figures of 5/27, dismantling India’s batting order by claiming the vital wickets of Kohli, Rohit, and Shreyas Iyer.
On receiving the award, Wellalage expressed his gratitude and satisfaction:
“This recognition gives me further strength to continue doing the good work I do as a player and contribute to my team’s pursuit of excellence. I want to thank my teammates, parents, friends, and relatives, whose support has been invaluable throughout my journey.”
The young star emphasized the importance of such accolades, especially for up-and-coming players like himself:
“Recognition from the International Cricket Council is great news for young players and will surely encourage more young talent in the game.”
August 2024 proved to be a landmark month for Sri Lankan cricket, with Wellalage’s compatriot, Harshita Samarawickrama, also winning the ICC Women’s Player of the Month award. Wellalage joins his teammate Kamindu Mendis, who won the ICC Men’s Player of the Month award for March, as Sri Lankan players making their mark on the global stage.
— ICC —
