Dushmantha Chameera

Dushmantha Chameera, born on January 11, 1992, is a Sri Lankan right-arm fast bowler renowned for his speed and inswinging deliveries. He made his international debut in 2015 and quickly gained recognition for his bowling prowess. Initially spotted at Nondescript Cricket Club in 2012, Chameera's talent as a bowler was evident from the start.

 

 

 

His outstanding domestic season in 2013–14 earned him a spot in Sri Lanka's Test team to face New Zealand at the end of 2014, although he didn't feature in any of the matches. However, he made his ODI debut against New Zealand during the same series in Wellington and left a mark with his pace, claiming a wicket.

 

 

 

Chameera was part of Sri Lanka's 2015 ICC World Cup squad and played a crucial role in a group stage match against Scotland, where he took three vital wickets contributing to Sri Lanka's victory. Later that year, he achieved his first five-wicket haul against New Zealand in Hamilton, displaying exceptional fast bowling skills.

 

 

 

Despite his promising start, Chameera faced challenges with injuries that affected his career. Knee problems since 2015 have led to a decline in his pace and intermittent appearances in the Sri Lankan team. However, his talent as a fast bowler remains undeniable.

 

 

 

In the Indian Premier League, Chameera has represented teams like Rajasthan, Bangalore and Lucknow in the past. In the 2024 season, Kolkata signed him as a replacement for Gus Atkinson, acquiring him for his base price of INR 50 lakh after going unsold at the auction.

 

 

 

He was subsequently named in Sri Lanka's squad for the 2024 ICC Men's T20 World Cup, entering the tournament on the back of an IPL winner's medal with the Kolkata Knight Riders. His most impactful performance during the group stage came against New Zealand, where he claimed four wickets to apply the brakes on a batting side that had looked threatening.

 

 

 

The months following the tournament were again defined by a cycle of health and injury setbacks. In July 2024, a respiratory infection forced him out of the home T20I series against India, and a quadriceps injury further curtailed his appearances later that year.

 

 

 

Away from the IPL, the period between 2023 and 2025 saw Chameera re-establish himself in the global franchise circuit, featuring for Dubai Capitals in the International League T20 and representing franchises such as Colombo Strikers and Kandy Falcons in the Lanka Premier League across multiple editions.

 

 

 

Following another injury layoff, he returned to the international arena in July 2025 against Bangladesh, finding his rhythm quickly to take 1 for 37 and 3 for 51 in the ODI series. In November 2025, he spearheaded the attack in a T20I Tri-Series in Pakistan, claiming match-defining figures of 4 for 20 against the host nation.

 

 

 

His performance reached a zenith during the England tour of Sri Lanka in early 2026. On February 3, 2026, he recorded his career best T20I figures of 5 for 24 at Pallekele, becoming only the fifth Sri Lankan bowler to achieve a five-wicket haul in the format. This momentum carried into the 2026 ICC Men's T20 World Cup, where he played six matches and claimed 10 wickets, including a crucial 3 for 38 against New Zealand in the Super 8 stage.

 

 

 

Chameera was retained by the Delhi Capitals for the 2026 IPL season for ₹75 lakh and also cleared mandatory fitness test and received a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from Sri Lanka Cricket to participate in the 2026 IPL season.