Full Name: Weerahandige Inol Avishka Fernando Date of Birth: April 5, 1998 Birthplace: Wadduwa, Sri Lanka Role: Right-Handed Top-Order Batter Avishka Fernando, wearing jersey number 10, is often seen as one of the brightest beacons of Sri Lanka’s cricketing future. With broad shoulders, sharp eyes, and an attacking mindset, he has drawn comparisons to some of the island’s greats—not for style alone, but for his ability to perform under pressure with effortless grace. Born in Wadduwa, a quiet coastal town in the Western Province, Avishka's cricketing journey began like many Sri Lankans—with tennis ball cricket on the beach. His talent was evident early, and by the time he was a teenager, he was dominating school cricket for St. Sebastian’s College, Moratuwa. His sheer weight of runs in age-group tournaments saw him fast-tracked into the national setup. Avishka made his ODI debut in 2016 at just 18, a clear sign of the faith the selectors had in him. Though his initial few outings were inconsistent, it was only a matter of time before he exploded onto the scene. That moment arrived in the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup, where he scored a brilliant 104 against the West Indies, combining maturity with flair. That knock not only helped Sri Lanka post a strong total but also announced Avishka as a serious international prospect. He followed it up with impactful performances against top-tier teams like Pakistan and South Africa, showing an impressive ability to take on pace and spin with equal ease. Avishka’s batting is a blend of muscle and timing—he drives through the line with minimal footwork but maximum power. His cuts, pulls, and lofted shots down the ground are breathtaking, making him an ideal top-order aggressor in limited-overs cricket. Despite his talent, Avishka’s career hasn’t been entirely smooth. Injuries, particularly to his ankle and hamstring, hampered his progress. In 2022, he missed several crucial series due to fitness concerns. But every time he returned, he seemed more determined—chiseling his technique, adding more range to his strokeplay, and maturing mentally. Off the field, Avishka is known for his quiet confidence. He avoids the limelight, preferring to focus on performance over persona. His teammates describe him as humble, grounded, and extremely hardworking. His rise from a small-town boy to a national star has made him an inspiration for many youngsters in Sri Lanka who dream of wearing the lion on their chest. In the Lanka Premier League (LPL), Avishka has been a standout performer. Representing teams like Jaffna Kings, he played several match-winning innings and was even among the top run-scorers in the league—proving he can handle the pressures of franchise cricket and big moments. With jersey number 10, Avishka Fernando stands as a key part of Sri Lanka’s rebuild—a new-age batter with an old-school attitude toward hard work. If nurtured well, his bat could carve many more match-winning knocks for Sri Lanka in years to come.