Nuwan Thushara, the former Mumbai Indians pacer, was sold to Royal Challengers Bengaluru for a price of INR 16 million on the second day of the IPL 2025 mega auction. The Sri Lankan medium pacer was placed in Set 26 along with eight other fast bowlers.

Thushara debuted in the IPL for Mumbai Indians in 2024 and played 8 matches for the franchise. The right-arm pacer took eight wickets in that short period and proved himself as an emerging talent from the island nation. However, MI released the pacer before the IPL 2025 auction and Thushara entered the mega event for a base price of INR 7.5 million.

Nuwan Thushara, a 30-year-old medium-fast bowler from Sri Lanka, has gained recognition for his distinct slinging action, which draws comparisons to the legendary Sri Lankan pacer Lasith Malinga. Thushara is a key player in Sri Lanka’s T20I setup, making his debut in February 2022 against Australia. His unique bowling style and ability to deliver under pressure have made him a promising figure in Sri Lankan cricket.

In February 2024, Thushara was included in Sri Lanka’s T20I squad for their Bangladesh tour. On March 9, 2024, during the third T20I, he achieved a historic milestone by taking a hat-trick, becoming the fifth Sri Lankan to accomplish this feat in T20I.

In the same match, he recorded his maiden five-wicket haul, cementing his place as a crucial bowler for the team. Later in May 2024, Thushara was named in Sri Lanka’s squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. 

--Agencies