Information from Prakash Schaffter of Janashakthi Insurance in response to my Request, December 2020 ….. Editor, Thuppahi
Sharujan Shanmuganathan, born on April 25, 2006, in Colombo, Sri Lanka, is a promising left-handed wicketkeeper-batsman representing the Sri Lanka Under-19 cricket team. He gained early recognition for his elegant stroke play, drawing comparisons to former Sri Lankan captain Kumar Sangakkara. At just five years old, during a 2011 Test match between Sri Lanka and Australia, Shanmuganathan was spotted playing a graceful cover drive, earning him the nickname “Little Sanga” from commentator Tony Greig.
In September 2023, Shanmuganathan made his first-class debut for Nugegoda Sports and Welfare Club in the Major League Tournament. He was subsequently selected for the Sri Lanka squad in the 2023 ACC Under-19 Asia Cup and the 2024 Under-19 Cricket World Cup.
During the ACC Under-19 Asia Cup in December 2024, Shanmuganathan played pivotal roles in Sri Lanka’s victories. He scored 62 runs against Nepal U19, contributing to a 55-run win, and followed up with a century (102 runs) against Afghanistan U19, leading to a 131-run victory. Shanmuganathan’s consistent performances at the youth level highlight his potential as a future asset for Sri Lankan cricket.
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Kugadas Mathulan, born in 2007, is a right-arm fast bowler from Jaffna, Sri Lanka. He developed his cricketing skills at St. John’s College, Jaffna, where his distinctive slingy bowling action drew comparisons to Sri Lankan legend Lasith Malinga. In March 2024, at the age of 17, Mathulan was invited to join the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) as a net bowler ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) season. This opportunity arose after CSK captain MS Dhoni took notice of Mathulan’s impressive performances, including a viral video showcasing his toe-crushing yorker.
Mathulan’s domestic performances earned him a spot in the Sri Lanka Under-19 squad for the ACC Men’s U19 Asia Cup 2024. In the tournament, he made significant contributions, notably taking 2 wickets for 21 runs against Nepal U19, helping Sri Lanka secure a 55-run victory.
His journey from local cricket in Jaffna to the international stage exemplifies his dedication and potential. As he continues to develop, Mathulan is poised to become a key figure in Sri Lanka’s fast-bowling lineup.
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Newton Ranjithkumar is a left-handed all-rounder who has represented the Sri Lanka Under-19 cricket team. He bats left-handed and bowls left-arm fast-medium.
In the 2024 ACC U19 Asia Cup, Ranjithkumar made notable contributions:
- Against Nepal U19: Scored 7 runs and took 2 wickets for 17 runs, aiding in a 55-run victory.
- Against Afghanistan U19: Remained unbeaten with 1* and claimed 2 wickets for 28 runs, contributing to a 131-run win.
- Against Bangladesh U19: Scored 1 run and bowled economically, though specific bowling figures are not detailed.
These performances underscore his potential as a valuable all-rounder for Sri Lanka’s future cricket endeavours.