The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 will feature six Sri Lankan players, each bringing unique strengths to their respective franchises. Here’s a breakdown of their potential impact:

Wanindu Hasaranga (Rajasthan Royals)

Role: All-Rounder (Leg-Spin & Middle-Order Bat)

Impact: Hasaranga is one of the most sought-after T20 players globally, known for his wicket-taking ability in the middle overs. His deceptive googlies and variations make him a genuine match-winner, especially on spin-friendly Indian pitches.

With Rajasthan Royals already having a strong spin department, Hasaranga’s inclusion adds depth and a proven wicket-taker who can also contribute valuable runs in the lower order. His experience in high-pressure games makes him a crucial asset for RR’s title ambitions in IPL 2025.

Maheesh Theekshana (Rajasthan Royals)

Role: Mystery Spinner

Impact: Theekshana has been a consistent performer in T20 leagues worldwide. His ability to bowl in the powerplay and middle overs with tight control makes him a key asset. Given Rajasthan’s spin-friendly home conditions, he could play a pivotal role in restricting runs and taking crucial wickets.

Matheesha Pathirana (Chennai Super Kings)

Role: Death Overs Specialist

Impact: Nicknamed “Baby Malinga,” Pathirana has already impressed in previous IPL seasons. His slingy action and ability to bowl pinpoint yorkers at high speeds make him a go-to bowler in death overs. Under MS Dhoni’s leadership, he will be crucial in CSK’s bowling attack.

Dushmantha Chameera (Delhi Capitals)

Role: Fast Bowler

Impact: Known for his raw pace and ability to swing the ball, Chameera adds an extra dimension to Delhi’s pace attack. If he remains fit, he could be a match-winner in crucial games, especially on bouncy wickets.

Nuwan Thushara (Royal Challengers Bengaluru)

Role: Swing Bowler & Death Overs Option

Impact: Thushara, another Malinga-like bowler, specializes in early swing and death-over yorkers. With Bengaluru’s historically expensive bowling attack, his ability to contain runs could be a game-changer for RCB.

Kamindu Mendis (Sunrisers Hyderabad)

Role: All-Rounder (Bat & Spin)

Impact: Kamindu’s rare ability to bowl with both arms makes him a wildcard in T20 cricket. With SRH focusing on young talents, he could be a surprise package in their middle order while also providing spin options.

Eshan Malinga (Sunrisers Hyderabad)

Role: Emerging Fast Bowler

Impact: Though relatively unknown, Eshan has the potential to follow in Lasith Malinga’s footsteps. If given opportunities, he could develop into a key asset for SRH with his pace and death-over skills.

Overall Impact on IPL 2025

Spin Strength: Theekshana and Kamindu add quality spin options.

Death Over Specialists: Pathirana, Thushara, and Eshan could dominate in the final overs.

Pace Power: Chameera brings raw speed, which is crucial in the IPL.

With these seven players, Sri Lanka’s presence in IPL 2025 is stronger than ever, and their performances could also boost the national team ahead of major international tournaments. Stay tuned for an exciting season!

India Masters emerged victorious in the Masters League Final, defeating West Indies Masters by six wickets in an exciting clash at Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium, Raipur.

Match Summary

West Indies Masters: 148/7 (20 Overs)

• Lendl Simmons 57 (41)
• Dwayne Smith 45 (35)
• Vinay Kumar 3/26 (3)
• Shahbaz Nadeem 2/12 (4)

India Masters: 149/4 (17.1 Overs)

• Ambati Rayudu 74 (50)
• Sachin Tendulkar 25 (18)
• Ashley Nurse 2/22 (3.1)
• Sulieman Benn 1/28 (4)

India Masters’ Clinical Chase Seals the Title

Chasing 149, Ambati Rayudu anchored the innings with a match-winning 74 off 50 balls, while Sachin Tendulkar provided a solid start with 25 off 18 balls. The Indian batting lineup kept the pressure on the Windies bowlers, securing the win in 17.1 overs.

Earlier, West Indies struggled to accelerate despite Lendl Simmons’ 57 and Dwayne Smith’s 45. India’s bowlers, led by Vinay Kumar (3/26) and Shahbaz Nadeem (2/12), restricted them to 148/7.

With this win, India Masters lift the Masters League Trophy, showcasing their dominance in the tournament.

Raipur – Sri Lanka Masters were edged out by West Indies Masters in a nail-biting semi-final, losing by just 6 runs in the Legends Cricket Tournament 2024 at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium. Despite a valiant chase, Sri Lanka Masters could not overhaul the 179-run target, finishing at 173/9 in 20 overs.

West Indies Masters Innings Recap

West Indies Masters posted a competitive total of 179/5 in their 20 overs, thanks largely to a late blitz by Denesh Ramdin, who smashed an unbeaten 50 off 22 balls at a strike rate of 227.27. Dwayne Smith (30 off 22) and Walton (31 off 23) gave them a solid start, while Brian Lara contributed a composed 18 off 13 before retiring hurt. Sri Lanka’s bowling was steady, with Nuwan Pradeep (2/34) and Jeevan Mendis (1/26) being the pick of the bowlers.

Sri Lanka Masters’ Fightback Falls Short

In response, Asela Gunaratne stood out for Sri Lanka Masters, scoring a fighting 66 off 42 balls (7 fours, 1 six) at a strike rate of 157.14. However, he lacked substantial support from the middle order. Upul Tharanga (30 off 22) provided a brisk start, but regular wickets slowed the momentum. Ramdin and Dwayne Smith were influential in the field, taking key catches at crucial moments.

The West Indies bowling unit, led by Ben Laughlin (3/28) and Sulieman Benn (2/17), applied consistent pressure during the middle overs, ultimately defending their total in a tense finish.

Looking Ahead

With this win, West Indies Masters advance to the final to face India Masters on March 16, setting up a thrilling contest for the championship. Despite the loss, Sri Lanka Masters can take pride in their impressive tournament run, having finished top of the group stage.