Eshan Malinga, a lesser-known bowler for Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), has emerged as a top reverse-swing specialist in cricket. While he may not have the fame of his predecessor, Lasith Malinga, his skills in manipulating the old ball are impressive. Malinga often proves to be a game-changer on the field.
Eshan Malinga’s Reverse Swing Mastery
Malinga has showcased his extraordinary ability to reverse swing the ball. In a match last year, he was able to achieve this remarkable feat as early as the 12th over. His reverse swing, with a consistent tailing angle of more than two degrees, distinguishes him from his peers.
What sets Malinga apart is his technique. He bowls with an upright seam, allowing the ball to swing favorably toward the shinier side. This method is often categorized alongside reverse swing, making it easier to understand for fans.
Strategic Bowling Approach
- Malinga bowls primarily during the latter half of the innings, with 60% of his deliveries in this phase.
- His home ground in Hyderabad has the toughest outfield in the IPL, ideal for bowlers to create wear on the ball.
With the IPL 2025 season showcasing his skills, Malinga’s statistics speak volumes. Among 26 fast bowlers who have bowled over 100 balls in the second half of innings, only Prasidh Krishna has a better average than Malinga’s 14.05. Additionally, only a select few bowlers have been more economical than his rate of 9.14.
Impact in Recent Matches
During an IPL 2026 match against the Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Malinga demonstrated his outstanding abilities while defending a target of 194. The conditions were ideal, as CSK needed 84 runs with seven wickets remaining when Malinga started his second over. In this decisive over, he claimed the wickets of Sarfaraz Khan and Matthew Short, effectively altering the course of the game.
His ability to balance pace and variation kept the CSK batsmen guessing. Malinga completed three overs for only 19 runs, resulting in significant contributions to SRH’s efforts.
Consistency and Potential
Malinga’s performance has solidified his position as a hidden gem for Sunrisers Hyderabad. His bowling average and strike rate are comparable to some of the top bowlers in the league. Only few bowlers, such as Jasprit Bumrah and Prasidh Krishna, have shown better results this season.
As the IPL continues, Eshan Malinga is set to become a player to watch. With whispers of another bowler, Sakib, potentially showcasing his reverse-swing skills, the dynamics of SRH’s bowling attack are evolving. Fans can eagerly anticipate thrilling performances as Malinga becomes an essential component of SRH’s strategy in Hyderabad.
