In a highly anticipated match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, Eshan Malinga, the promising 24-year-old pacer from Sri Lanka, made his debut for the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) against the Punjab Kings (PBKS) on April 12, 2025, at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad. The decision to include Malinga in the playing XI was confirmed by SRH skipper Pat Cummins during the coin toss, where he announced that the young bowler would replace fellow Sri Lankan Kamindu Mendis.
Malinga was acquired by SRH for INR 1.20 crores during the mega auction held in December 2024, a significant investment for a player who had not yet made his international T20 debut. His inclusion comes at a crucial time for SRH, who are currently struggling at the bottom of the IPL standings, having lost four consecutive matches after a promising start where they posted the second-highest T20 total of all time at 286.
The 24-year-old fast bowler has been making waves in domestic cricket, showcasing his skills in various formats. In first-class cricket, Malinga has taken 39 wickets in 16 matches, averaging 28.74, and he has also achieved three four-wicket hauls. His List A record is impressive as well, featuring 24 wickets in 17 games at an average of 27.50, including a five-wicket haul. In T20s, he maintains an economical rate of 7.70, along with a strike rate of 17.7, which highlights his ability to contain batters while also securing crucial wickets.
Before making his IPL debut, Malinga earned his international call-up for Sri Lanka earlier this year, playing in a three-match ODI series against New Zealand in January, where he managed to claim four wickets in five matches with an economy rate of 6.03. His performance included a notable three-wicket haul in the final match of the series, marking a strong entry into international cricket.
During the toss, Cummins expressed confidence in his team’s ability to turn around their fortunes, saying, "It's fine. I think we can chase anything. Not an ideal start. But we are training really well. Everyone is in a good space. We have lost a few in a row, but that isn't ideal. One change. Malinga comes in the side for Kamindu Mendis." Mendis had contributed only 28 runs in two matches this season and picked up just one wicket, prompting the need for a change in the squad.
As for the Punjab Kings, they have been on a roll with three wins out of four matches and opted to bat first after winning the toss. PBKS captain Shreyas Iyer emphasized the need for aggressive play, stating, "We want to play some aggressive cricket, that's our mindset at the moment. We have seen that we don't have a fantastic record in the powerplay. We don't have that thought at the back of our minds. Every individual in our team plays their brand of cricket. We got to be top-notch, need to back our instincts. We have to keep repeating that again and again."
The match is crucial for SRH as they aim to break their losing streak and gain momentum in the tournament. Malinga's debut is a significant moment for him, as he aims to make an impact in the IPL, much like the legendary Lasith Malinga, with whom he shares a surname but is not related. Eshan Malinga has expressed his desire to carve out his own identity in cricket, and this IPL opportunity is a stepping stone in that direction.
In domestic leagues, Malinga showcased his talent while playing for Paarl Royals in the SA20 league earlier this year, where he took four wickets in three matches. His performances in various formats, including the Emerging Asia Cup, have drawn attention, particularly for his ability to bowl yorkers at the death, a skill that will be crucial in the high-pressure environment of the IPL.
As the match progresses, all eyes will be on Eshan Malinga to see how he handles the pressure of his debut and whether he can help SRH turn their season around. With a strong pace attack alongside him, including Cummins and Mohammad Shami, Malinga has the support needed to make a significant impact.
The playing XI for Sunrisers Hyderabad includes: Abhishek Sharma, Travis Head, Ishan Kishan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Heinrich Klaasen (wk), Aniket Verma, Pat Cummins (c), Eshan Malinga, Zeeshan Ansari, Harshal Patel, and Mohammed Shami. Meanwhile, the Punjab Kings lineup features: Priyansh Arya (wk), Prabhsimran Singh, Shreyas Iyer (c), Marcus Stoinis, Nehal Wadhera, Glenn Maxwell, Shashank Singh, Marco Jansen, Arshdeep Singh, Lockie Ferguson, and Yuzvendra Chahal.
As the IPL 2025 season unfolds, Eshan Malinga's performance will be closely monitored not just by fans of SRH but by cricket enthusiasts eager to witness the rise of a new talent in the world of cricket. Will he live up to the expectations and make his mark in the IPL? Only time will tell, but the stage is set for an exciting debut.
