Full Name: Mathurage Don Kusal Janith Perera Date of Birth: August 17, 1990 Birthplace: Kalubowila, Sri Lanka Role: Left-Handed Top-Order Batter | Wicket-Keeper Kusal Perera, donning jersey number 17, has always been a cricketer who plays with instinct, flair, and a touch of madness. For Sri Lankan fans, he has embodied that exhilarating brand of cricket once made famous by Sanath Jayasuriya—a player he was often compared to for his aggressive style and left-handed explosiveness. Born in Kalubowila, a suburb of Colombo, Kusal came through the ranks at Royal College, where his daring batting quickly caught the eye of scouts. His fearless approach, whether opening the batting or coming in the middle order, marked him as a natural game-changer. He burst onto the international scene in 2013 and, from the outset, showed he wasn’t afraid of reputations or big occasions. Kusal’s most unforgettable performance came in 2019, in one of the most heroic innings ever seen in Test cricket. Chasing a near-impossible 304 against South Africa in Durban with nine wickets down, Kusal launched an unreal assault, finishing unbeaten on 153 off 200 balls*. It was a miraculous knock, hailed globally as one of the greatest Test innings of all time, and it etched his name permanently in cricket folklore. It wasn’t just the runs—it was the courage, the audacity, and the single-minded belief that stood out. In white-ball cricket, Kusal has been a match-winner on countless occasions. Known for his aggressive starts and clean hitting, he was instrumental in Sri Lanka’s victories against top sides. His 135 against Pakistan in 2015 was a stunning display of counter-attacking brilliance. He often assumed the role of a power-hitter, but he also developed into a reliable anchor when needed. As a wicket-keeper, he brought added value to the team, often stepping in when needed and providing flexibility in squad combinations. His quick reflexes and athleticism behind the stumps made him an asset in T20s especially. However, his journey hasn't been without hurdles. In 2015, Kusal was wrongly suspended due to a failed drug test—a painful chapter that he fought courageously. After being cleared, he returned stronger, more focused, and determined to prove his worth. Injuries also disrupted his momentum, including a shoulder issue that kept him out of key series. But Kusal, ever the fighter, never lost his flair. Off the field, Kusal Perera is known for his humility and easygoing nature. A soft-spoken individual, he prefers to let his bat do the talking. Despite the media comparisons to Jayasuriya, he always carved out his own identity, never chasing the shadows of legends but building a name through his own unforgettable moments. With jersey number 17, Kusal Perera remains one of Sri Lanka’s most exhilarating players—a batter who can turn the tide in a session, a man who wears his heart on his sleeve, and a symbol of fearless Sri Lankan cricket.