Full Name: Dhananjaya Maduranga de Silva Date of Birth: September 6, 1991 Birthplace: Colombo, Sri Lanka Role: Right-Handed Middle-Order Batter | Right-Arm Offbreak Bowler | All-Rounder In a Sri Lankan side that often thrives on flair, Dhananjaya de Silva, with jersey number 74, brings something different: calm, craft, and clarity. He isn’t the loudest in the room, nor the flashiest on the field, but when Sri Lanka needs stability, whether with bat or ball, Dhananjaya answers the call—quietly, but decisively. Born in Colombo and educated at Richmond College in Galle, cricket was in Dhananjaya’s blood early on. His journey through school and domestic cricket was marked by consistency and a deep understanding of the game. He wasn’t a childhood prodigy in the traditional sense, but he was a perfectionist—someone who would keep grinding until every shot, every delivery, every fielding angle made sense. He made his international debut in 2016, and it didn’t take long for selectors and fans alike to see that this was a cricketer of substance. In just his third Test series, against Australia, Dhananjaya announced himself with a spectacular 129 in Colombo. That innings—filled with composure against spin and patience under pressure—was a masterclass in how to bat when the team is in trouble. What makes Dhananjaya invaluable is his versatility. He can bat anywhere from No. 3 to No. 7, depending on the team’s needs. He can anchor, accelerate, or rescue innings. With the ball, his off-spin might not be headline-grabbing, but it’s immensely effective. Whether it’s breaking partnerships or tying down ends, he’s always ready with a quiet spell when the captain needs control. His ODI and T20I performances also reflect his adaptability. He played crucial roles in the 2021 T20 World Cup, where his intelligent bowling and composed middle-order batting helped Sri Lanka maintain balance in high-pressure games. In bilateral series too—especially at home—his calm presence has helped guide the team out of tricky situations. But Dhananjaya’s journey hasn’t been without hardship. In 2017, his father, a local politician, was tragically shot dead—a shattering moment in his life. Many thought he’d take a long break from cricket. Instead, he channeled his grief into purpose, returning to the game with even greater resolve. That mental strength—unseen in stat sheets—is one of his greatest assets. He’s also been a vice-captain, offering tactical insight and maturity in a young, evolving Sri Lankan squad. Though rarely in the limelight, his cricketing IQ is well-respected within the dressing room. Coaches rely on him. Youngsters look up to him. Teammates trust him. Off the field, Dhananjaya is quiet, thoughtful, and fiercely committed to his craft. He avoids controversy, shuns attention, and lets his performances speak. Whether batting under pressure or bowling in tight spells, his approach is always methodical and composed. In every team, there’s a glue guy—someone who binds everything together, even if the world doesn’t always notice. For Sri Lanka, Dhananjaya de Silva, with his bat, ball, and calm presence, is that man. With jersey number 74, he is not only a complete cricketer but a pillar of reliability and professionalism in Sri Lanka’s cricketing fabric.