Eshan Malinga is among the rising stars in IPL 2026 as a fast bowler. He is known for his innovative deliveries and game intelligence and is a valuable asset to Sunrisers Hyderabad.
Tactical Genius – Eshan Malinga Gets David Miller
There were many instances where Eshan Malinga bowled with brilliance during IPL 2026 but getting David Miller was undoubtedly his best catch yet. Understanding the importance of reverse swing in the second innings of SRH’s home venue, Malinga decided to go after Miller with a strategy.
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Having already gained reverse swing against Nitish Rana, Malinga followed suit with David Miller by maintaining the same length and movement. It resulted in an easy demolition of his stumps and made him Malinga’s best wicket.
Core Strengths and Bowling Variations
When discussing his game, Eshan Malinga highlights his strengths with clarity:
“As a fast bowler, I think my biggest strength is the yoker, and reverse swing and the slow ball bouncer. I have a few variations and I’m backing my bowling with them. That’s my strength… and the fast bouncer,”
He has:
- Deadly yorkers
- Reverse swing expertise
- Slow ball bouncers
- Changing pace
Career Beginnings: From Tennis Ball Cricket to Professional Level
Eshan Malinga is from Ratnapura in Sri Lanka. He never played on turf grounds as a kid. All his cricket experience has been gained from tennis-ball matches, which helped him become:
- A sharp bouncer
- A deceptive slower-ball bouncer
Malinga travelled more than 6 hours to Colombo for the opportunity to train using a leather ball, demonstrating his strong will to pursue cricket as a profession at a young age.
Skills and Coaching Network
Malinga’s skills were refined through a lot of hard work with his coach, Chamila Gamage, who has worked with other cricketers such as Matheesha Pathirana and Dilshan Madushanka and was instrumental in developing Malinga as a player.
“When he started, the number one ball for him was the bouncer. Then we developed his yorker,”
Specialized Training Methods
One-Step Delivery: Progression from one step to full approach
Heavy Ball Exercises: Wrist exercise for swinging motion
Target Bowling: Focused training on yorkers
These approaches helped him gain better control and timing.
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Reflecting on personal Developments: a Pivotal Year for Eshan Malinga in 2024
2024 was a landmark year in the career of Eshan Malinga. He competed at the Emerging Asia Cup tournament held in Oman (for Sri Lanka A) and had the following results:
- Claiming 6 wickets over 5 matches
- Developing more types of ‘slow’ deliveries
- Increasing flexibility to perform in T20 formats
The result was an IPL contract with Sunrisers Hyderabad for INR 1.2 cr
Lessons from Legends
In MRF Pace Foundation in India, Malinga was coached by the great Glenn McGrath, who taught him about:
- The swing bowling style
- Bowling strategy
- Concentration-based training program
Malinga’s heroes were other fast bowlers such as Brett Lee and Dale Steyn.
IPL and International Growth
Pre-IPL, Malinga lacked experience in T20 cricket. Nonetheless, his performance in IPL 2025 (13 wickets in 7 games) helped him develop a good mentality, become an excellent decision maker and change tactics from attack to defense.
“Before I played IPL, I didn’t play many T20 matches… Playing in the IPL gave me that strong mindset,”
He later made his T20I debut for Sri Lanka, carrying these lessons forward.
IPL 2026: Performance and Goals
Eshan Malinga has emerged as an integral part of SRH?s bowling attack during IPL 2026 despite a rocky beginning. Since then, he has also put together a string of impressive performances.
Season Goals
20 wickets (currently close)
Get Virat Kohli out
With RCB still to play again later in the season, he should be able to achieve both of these objectives.
The Future of Eshan Malinga
Eshan Malinga’s rise from playing tennis ball cricket in Ratnapura to ruling the IPL in 2026, shows a true testament to his persistence, innovation and ability to adapt.
His increasing variety of bowling variations and quick cricketing brain puts him on his way of becoming one of the leading fast bowlers in the world. His continued ability to adapt will ensure that he will be a name to follow in international cricket for many more years.
ALSO READ: List Of Players Ruled Out Of IPL 2026
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