Full Name: Pathum Nissanka Silva
Nickname: Pathum
Date of Birth: May 18, 1998
Age: 27 (as of 2025)
Place of Birth: Galle, Sri Lanka
Nationality: Sri Lankan
Religion: Buddhism
Profession: Professional Cricketer
Batting Style: Right-handed
Bowling Style: Right-arm medium (occasional)
Role in Team: Opening Batsman
IPL Team 2025: Delhi Capitals – Sold for ₹4 crore
Net Worth: Estimated USD 1.5–2 million (as of 2025, including international contracts, IPL, and endorsements)
Introduction
Pathum Nissanka is one of the most reliable, proficient, and skilled opening batsmen of Sri Lanka in present-day cricket. He is known for his composure and ability to perform across formats along traditional stroke play. Nissanka represents the new and talented generation of Sri Lankan cricketers who are rebuilding the nation’s cricketing legacy. His historic consistency and the even-tempered has made him a mainstay in Sri Lanka’s battling lineup.
Early Life and Background
Born on May 18, 1998, in Galle, Pathum Nissanka is a coastal city in southern Sri Lanka. He comes from a modest family, and his journey into international cricket is widely regarded as one of grit and adaptability. His father used to work as a groundsman at the Galle International Stadium, which allowed the young Pathum to get an early exposure to the professional cricket surrounding.
Despite the monetary restrictions, Pathum’s interest and passion for cricket were never affected. He trained at Mahinda College, Galle. It is a school that is popular for producing talented cricketers. It was in this college that his batting excellence started to attract attention, as he was scoring runs at the school and inter-school levels.
Pathum’s upbringing has instilled humility, discipline, and qualities that still continue to define his approach to play cricket both on and off the field. His growth from a groundsman’s son to an international cricketer remains an inspirational story in Sri Lanka Sports.
Domestic Cricket Career
Pathum Nissanka outshone himself in Sri Lanka’s domestic circuit with unwavering performances for Galle Cricket Club and later Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC). His capability to score runs for his team at the top of the order quickly brought the spotlight on him and made him stand out from his peers.
Pathum’s one of the most remarkable achievements came when he was playing the 2018 ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup. In this series, he finished as the tournament’s leading run-scorer with 373 runs. This exceptional performance in this format paved a strong path for his reputation as a future star in the cricket world.
In the home-field competitions. Pathum has collected runs across all formats. This shows his excellent technique against both pace and spin. His continuous impressive performance at the domestic level garnered him a national call-up, as the selectors from the national team viewed Pathum as a long-term solution at the top of the order.
International Cricket Career
Pathum Nissanka made his International Debut for the Sri Lankan Team in March 2021. He attained a historic milestone by becoming the first Sri Lankan cricketer to score a half-century in his debut matches in all three formats, that is, in ODIs, T20Is, and Tests.
In the test cricket format, Nissanka quickly proved himself as a dependable opener, capable enough to play along, with patient innings under challenging conditions. In One-day Internationals, he was recognised for his consistency. He became the first Sri Lankan to score a century in consecutive ODIs.
Taking a look at his T20I career, Pathum has also been magnificent and highlighted by his measured aggression at the top of the batting order. Pathum also played an important role in Sri Lanka’s victory at the 2022 Asia Cup, which majorly contributed to his crucial runs throughout the tournament.
Indian Premier League (IPL) and Franchise Career
Pathum Nissanka has also established himself in the franchise cricket segment. He has played for teams in leagues such as the Lanka Premier League (LPL) and has also made his appearance in the Indian Premier League (IPL). He is set to feature for the Delhi Capitals (DC) in the upcoming IPL season, having been acquired at the auction with a base price of ₹75.0 lakh and a final price of ₹4.00 crore. His technique and composed disposition against world-class bowlers are widely appreciated.
Pathum is not primarily known as a power-hitter; his ability to maintain consistency, rotate the strike, and build innings effectively makes him a valuable asset in T20 cricket.
Playing Style and Personal Interests
Nissanka is praised for his robust defensive game technique, his elegant cover drives, and the ability to adapt his game according to match situations. As an opening batsman, he excels at seeing off the new balls and builds a strong foundation for his team.
He is often recorded saying that Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene are his biggest inspirations. It is because of them that his batting approach is modelled on their classical techniques and mental toughness.
When not on the field, Pathum has a very disciplined and humble lifestyle. He values his fitness, mental strength, and family time. Despite his becoming successful, he remains very grounded and is also known for his quiet demeanour and follows a strong work ethic.
Legacy and Aspirations
Even though Pathum Nissanka is in his prime of this cricket career, he has already become a cornerstone of Sri Lanka’s batting lineup. His journey from humble beginnings to international stardom has resonated very deeply with fans and aspiring cricketers across the country.
Pathum Nissanka dreams of becoming one of Sri Lanka’s greatest opening batsmen and plays an important role in restoring the nation’s dominance in world cricket. With his consistency, hunger for improvement, and discipline, he is widely seen as a long-term leader and role model for Sri Lankan Cricket’s future.
