Nuwan Kulasekara
A crafty swing bowler who became the world's top-ranked ODI bowler, forming a crucial part of Sri Lanka's potent attack in the late 2000s.
Born 1982 (age 44)·Sri Lankan cricketer·Birthday: July 22·Millennials
Biography
Nuwan Kulasekara didn't rely on blistering pace to make his mark in international cricket. Instead, the right-arm medium-fast bowler mastered the art of swing, both conventional and reverse, becoming a naggingly accurate and intelligent operator. His rise coincided with a golden period for Sri Lanka's bowling, where he often provided crucial early breakthroughs with the new ball. Kulasekara's moment of global recognition came in 2009 when he ascended to the number one spot in the ICC ODI bowling rankings, a testament to his consistent wicket-taking and economical spells. He was a reliable lower-order batsman as well, capable of handy contributions. A key component in Sri Lanka's runs to the 2007 World Cup final and the 2011 World Cup final, Kulasekara's subtle skills were integral to the team's success on the world stage.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Nuwan was born in 1982, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Nuwan Was Born
The biggest hits of 1982
#1 Movie
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial
Best Picture
Gandhi
#1 TV Show
Dallas
Nuwan's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1982Born
Michael Jackson releases Thriller
Gas: $1.22/galHome: $55,200Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Physical" — Olivia Newton-JohnBest Picture: Gandhi
1987Started school
Black Monday stock market crash
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $72,400Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Walk Like an Egyptian" — The BanglesBest Picture: The Last Emperor
1995Became a teenager
Oklahoma City bombing; Windows 95 released
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $96,500Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Gangsta's Paradise" — CoolioBest Picture: Braveheart
1998Could drive
Google founded; Clinton impeachment
Gas: $1.06/galHome: $107,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Too Close" — NextBest Picture: Shakespeare in Love
2000Could vote
Y2K passes without incident; contested Bush-Gore election
Gas: $1.51/galHome: $119,600Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Breathe" — Faith HillBest Picture: Gladiator
2003Turned 21
US invades Iraq; Human Genome Project completed
Gas: $1.59/galHome: $146,000Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"In Da Club" — 50 CentBest Picture: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
2012Turned 30
Curiosity rover lands on Mars; Sandy Hook shooting
Gas: $3.64/galHome: $143,200Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Somebody That I Used to Know" — GotyeBest Picture: Argo
2022Turned 40
Russia invades Ukraine; Queen Elizabeth II dies
Gas: $3.97/galHome: $348,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"As It Was" — Harry StylesBest Picture: Everything Everywhere All at Once
2026Age 44 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Achieved the number one ranking in the ICC ODI bowling rankings in 2009.
- Was a member of the Sri Lankan teams that reached the finals of the 2007 and 2011 Cricket World Cups.
- Took 199 wickets across all three formats of international cricket for Sri Lanka.
- Played a pivotal role in Sri Lanka's victory in the 2014 ICC World Twenty20.
Did You Know?
He shares a birthday (July 22) with fellow Sri Lankan cricketing great Sanath Jayasuriya.
Kulasekara was known for his celebratory 'plane' gesture after taking a wicket.
He made his Test debut against New Zealand in 2005, taking the wicket of Stephen Fleming with his very first delivery.
“My skill was making the ball talk in the air.”
