Charith Asalanka is the current ODI and T20I captain of Sri Lanka and a left-handed middle-order batsman known for explosive performances across formats.
Charith Asalanka serves as Sri Lanka’s ODI and T20I skipper, combining left-handed batting prowess with right-arm off-break bowling to anchor the national team’s middle order. His rise began with back-to-back Schoolboy Cricketer of the Year awards in 2015 and 2016, setting the stage for a stellar international career. Asalanka delivered a career-defining performance at the 2021 T20 World Cup, accumulating 231 runs at an average of 46.20 and a strike rate of 147.13, highlighted by clutch match-winning contributions. The Sri Lankan batsman has registered four ODI centuries, with a highest score of 127, and played a pivotal unbeaten innings of 83* that steered Sri Lanka to a 313-run chase against Bangladesh. In a recent captain’s knock on July 2, 2025, he scored 106 off 123 deliveries in the opening ODI against Bangladesh in Colombo, steering his team from early pressure to a competitive total. Born on June 29, 1997, in Elpitiya, Sri Lanka, Charith Asalanka stands at 6 feet 1 inch and bats left-handed while bowling occasional off-spin. He represents Sri Lanka internationally and the Mumbai Indians in the IPL during 2025. A graduate of Richmond College, Asalanka is married and holds an estimated net worth of $2 million. Asalanka follows Buddhism and belongs to the Sinhalese ethnic group, reflecting Sri Lanka’s predominant faith and community. His upbringing in a Buddhist household in Elpitiya mirrors the cultural backdrop of the nation. No public records specify his caste background. Hailing from a middle-class family in Elpitiya, Charith Asalanka’s parents, Vijith Priyanth and Tanuja Asalanka, played foundational roles in shaping his cricketing ambitions. They relocated to Galle so he could attend Richmond College and pursue cricket seriously. Vijith Priyanth has been a consistent pillar of support throughout Charith’s cricketing journey, offering guidance and encouragement as his son honed his skills and climbed the ranks. Tanuja Asalanka has provided steadfast emotional backing, working alongside her husband to help Charith navigate challenges and stay committed to his sporting goals from an early stage. Charith Asalanka has a younger brother named Thushara Lakmal, also known as Hiruk, who is a promising cricketer studying at the competitive level and tipped for future stardom similar to his older brother. Asalanka also has a sister whose name remains undisclosed publicly. She, along with the rest of the family, has been a constant presence, attending key matches and offering unwavering support throughout his professional journey. Across formats, Charith Asalanka wears the jersey number 72, a number he carries for Sri Lanka and domestic sides such as the Jaffna Kings in the Lanka Premier League. Before marriage, Asalanka was in a long-term relationship with Kavindika, and the couple has maintained an open approach to sharing their life together with fans. They often spotlight their personal milestones rather than focusing solely on careers and family values. Charith Asalanka is married to Kavindika Igalavithana, with their wedding taking place on November 28, 2022, in Colombo. While his social media often highlights cricket achievements and team celebrations, he also shares moments reflecting his married life and expresses appreciation for his wife. Charith Asalanka’s international career began with his ODI debut 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 performances have been consistently strong, including multiple centuries and leading the Sinhalese Sports Club to a T20 title in 2021. Recognized for leadership, Asalanka has captained Sri Lanka in limited-overs formats since 2025 and is named in the squad for the Asia Cup 2025, where he is expected to play a crucial role. Asalanka demonstrates versatility across formats, with over 2,400 ODI runs at an average of 44.28 that includes five centuries. His Test outings remain limited, but he remains a vital T20I contributor with over 1,200 runs, celebrated for clean striking and reliability. At the 2021 T20 World Cup, he led Sri Lanka’s run tally with 231 runs at a strike rate of 147.13 and has delivered several match-winning innings in both ODIs and T20Is. He has featured in high-profile franchise leagues such as ILT20 and the Lanka Premier League (LPL). Playing for Abu Dhabi Knight Riders in ILT20, he featured in 10 games, scoring 213 runs at a 23.66 average and 139.21 strike rate, with a top score of 74. In the LPL across 43 appearances for three teams, he amassed 747 runs at a 20.18 average and 125.96 strike rate, including four half-centuries. Charith Asalanka is a Sri Lankan international cricketer serving as the white-ball captain (ODIs and T20Is), batting left-handed and bowling right-arm off-breaks from the middle order. What is Charith Asalanka’s age and birthday? Charith Asalanka was born on June 29, 1997, making him 28 years old as of July 2025. He stands approximately 1.80 meters tall (6 feet 1 inch). Charith Asalanka is married to Kavindika Igalavithana. They tied the knot on November 28, 2022, in Colombo. How many centuries has Charith Asalanka scored? He has recorded four ODI centuries, twelve in List A matches, and two in First-Class cricket. He has not yet scored a Test or T20I century. What is Charith Asalanka’s net worth and salary? Charith Asalanka’s net worth is estimated at approximately $2–5 million. Specific salary figures are not publicly disclosed. What is Charith Asalanka’s jersey number? He regularly wears jersey number 72 in ODIs and T20Is and also uses the same number while representing the Jaffna Kings. What are Charith Asalanka’s career achievements? Charith Asalanka’s career highlights include captaining Sri Lanka in ODIs and T20Is, winning the Schoolboy Cricketer of the Year award twice (2015 and 2016), compiling multiple international centuries, leading Sri Lanka’s run-scoring at the 2021 T20 World Cup, and earning several Player of the Match distinctions across formats. All images are for editorial use only and licensed solely through Getty/Source.