Charith Asalanka — Sri Lanka ODI and T20I Captain Profile 2026

Charith Asalanka is Sri Lanka’s current white-ball captain and a key left-handed batter in the middle order, known for his big-match performances across formats.

Charith Asalanka is a left-handed batting all-rounder and right-arm off-spin bowler who holds a permanent spot in Sri Lanka’s middle order and currently leads the national side in both ODIs and T20Is. He first gained attention as a Schoolboy Cricketer of the Year on two occasions (2015 and 2016), before announcing himself globally with a brilliant 231 runs at an average of 46.20 during the 2021 T20 World Cup, where he delivered match-winning displays and maintained a strike rate of 147.13. Asalanka boasts four ODI centuries, highlighted by a top score of 127. One of his most notable efforts was an unbeaten 83* against Bangladesh while chasing a record 313-run target. Recently, the Sri Lankan batter led from the front with a crucial 106 off 123 deliveries in the first ODI against Bangladesh on July 2, 2025, steering his team to a competitive total in Colombo after early setbacks. Born on June 29, 1997, in Elpitiya, Sri Lanka, Charith Asalanka is a 1.80-meter (6ft 1in) tall left-handed player who also bowls occasional off-breaks. He represents Sri Lanka internationally and the Mumbai Indians in the IPL during the 2025 season. A graduate of Richmond College, he is married and has an estimated net worth of around $2 million. Charith Asalanka follows Buddhism and belongs to the Sinhalese ethnic group. Hailing from Elpitiya in Sri Lanka, he was raised in a Buddhist household, reflecting the dominant faith among the Sinhalese majority. No publicly available information exists regarding his specific caste background. He grew up in a middle-class family in Elpitiya, Sri Lanka. His parents, Vijith Priyanth and Tanuja Asalanka, provided unwavering support for his cricketing ambitions from childhood, relocating with him to Galle so he could attend Richmond College and pursue the sport seriously. Vijith Priyanth, Charith’s father, has been a consistent pillar of strength throughout his cricketing journey. He played a crucial role in nurturing Charith’s early passion for cricket, offering guidance and encouragement as the youngster honed his skills and progressed in the game. Tanuja Asalanka, Charith’s mother, has been a steady source of emotional support and motivation. Her encouragement, together with that of her husband, helped Charith navigate challenges and remain focused on building his cricket career from an early stage. Charith Asalanka has a younger brother named Thushara Lakmal, also called Hiruk. Currently a student-athlete, Hiruk plays competitive cricket and shows strong potential to emerge as a future talent, following in his elder brother’s footsteps. Charith Asalanka also has a sister whose name remains undisclosed. Alongside the rest of the family, she has consistently backed his cricketing pursuits and has been present at several of his important matches. Charith Asalanka wears the number 72 jersey when representing Sri Lanka in international cricket and domestic sides such as the Jaffna Kings in the Lanka Premier League, making it his signature number across formats. Charith Asalanka was previously in a long-term relationship with Kavindika before the two tied the knot. The couple is transparent about their personal life, often sharing updates publicly and placing their relationship in the spotlight while balancing cricket and family life. His wife, Kavindika Igalavithana, is Charith’s spouse. They were married on November 28, 2022, in Colombo. Though most of his social media posts highlight cricket achievements and team celebrations, he occasionally shares moments from his married life, openly expressing gratitude toward his partner and celebrating milestones together. Charith Asalanka’s international cricket journey began with his ODI debut for Sri Lanka against England on June 29, 2021, followed by his T20I debut against India on July 25, 2021, and his Test debut against the West Indies on November 29, 2021. His domestic career is distinguished by steady performances, including multiple centuries and leading the Sinhalese Sports Club to a T20 title in 2021. Recognized for his leadership qualities, he took charge of the national team in limited-overs formats starting in 2025. He is part of Sri Lanka’s squad for the Asia Cup 2025, where he is expected to play a pivotal role for the side. Charith Asalanka has demonstrated adaptability across all formats. In ODIs, he has amassed over 2,400 runs at an average of 44.28, including five centuries. While his Test appearances are limited, he remains a vital contributor in T20Is with more than 1,200 runs, celebrated for his elegant stroke play and consistency. He delivered standout performances during the 2021 T20 World Cup, finishing as Sri Lanka’s top scorer with 231 runs and a strike rate of 147.13, and has produced several match-winning innings in both ODIs and T20Is. He has featured in high-profile franchise leagues including the ILT20 and the Lanka Premier League (LPL). Playing for Abu Dhabi Knight Riders (ADKR) in the ILT20, he featured in 10 matches, accumulating 213 runs at an average of 23.66 and a strike rate of 139.21, with a highest score of 74. In the LPL, across 43 appearances for three teams, he tallied 747 runs at an average of 20.18 and a strike rate of 125.96, registering four half-centuries. Charith Asalanka is a Sri Lankan international cricketer who currently captains the national team in ODIs and T20Is. He bats left-handed and bowls right-arm off-breaks, typically occupying the middle-order batting position. What is Charith Asalanka’s age and birthday? Charith Asalanka was born on June 29, 1997, which makes him 28 years old as of July 2025. His height is approximately 1.80 meters (6 feet 1 inch). When did Charith Asalanka get married? Charith Asalanka is married to Kavindika Igalavithana. They were married on November 28, 2022, in Colombo. How many centuries has Charith Asalanka scored? He has registered four centuries in ODIs, twelve in List A matches, and two in First-Class cricket. He has not yet scored a century in Tests or T20Is. What is Charith Asalanka’s net worth and salary? Charith Asalanka’s net worth is estimated at approximately $2 to $5 million. Exact salary figures are not publicly disclosed. What is Charith Asalanka’s jersey number? He frequently wears jersey number 72 in both ODIs and T20Is. He also dons the same number when playing for the Jaffna Kings. What are Charith Asalanka’s career achievements? Charith Asalanka’s career highlights include leading Sri Lanka in ODIs and T20Is, winning the Schoolboy Cricketer of the Year award twice (2015 and 2016), scoring multiple international centuries, being Sri Lanka’s top run-getter in the 2021 T20 World Cup, and earning multiple Player of the Match awards across formats. All images used are for editorial purposes only. License solely with Getty/Source.