A left handed top-order batsman and a wicket-keeper. Sounds all too familiar in the Sri Lankan circuit. Niroshan Dickwella presents himself as yet another one of these all-round options. Like most of the young Sri Lankan batsmen to have made it big, Dickwella’s majot claim to fame was his Schoolboy Cricketer of the Year award in 2012 when he amassed over 1000 runs to lead Trinity College to the title. The transformation upwards saw him become a regular for his domestic side, Nondescripts Cricket Club, keeping wickets and opening the batting. He soon earned a reputation for himself of being a highly attacking option in the limited overs format.

Consistent performances and impressive ones in the big matches, such as his quickfire century in the final of the Inter-Provincial One-Day tournament in 2013 saw the selectors promote him to the ‘A’ side and very soon into the national squad. With Dinesh Chandimal, the regular keeper injured, Dickwella got his first Test cap against South Africa in 2014.

The start to his international career has been pretty promising especially in the shorter formats. In the rebuilding phase that Sri Lanka is going through, he remains one of the upcoming players the selectors would look to bank upon to carry the mantle for a long time.

But unfortunately he was overlooked for the 2019 World Cup as Kusal Perera was preferred over him. But with age on his side it would be mighty surprising that he doesn't feature in a WC squad for the Lankans in the future. But yes, it is also true that Kusal Perera will always keep him on his toes.

Niroshan has often been criticized of throwing his wicket away but his thrill-a-minute ride while batting also is his USP. In a phase where Lankan cricket needs a massive face lift, Niroshan won't mind being of the men who would help Sri Lankan cricket to turn a new corner.

Written by Vineet Anantharaman and Kumar Abhisekh Das