10 Interesting facts about Chamara Kapugedera

Chamara Kapugedera has been on the fringes of the Sri Lankan national side for almost a decade. Known as a naturally aggressive batsman, Kapugedera has flourished in ODIs and T20Is. With big hitting an integral part of his approach, the 29-year-old brings in experience in a side that is currently under transition. He is also a part of the Sri Lankan squad for the Aisa Cup and World T20 2016. That said, here are a few interesting facts about Chamara Kapugedera.

1. Birth:

Chamara Kapugedera was born on the 24^th of February 1987 in Kandy Sri Lanka.

2. Nickname:

He is fondly known as Kapu.

3. Junior cricket career:

Kapugedera’s skill with the bat was noticed at a very early age. He has captained almost all the sides he played for except the U19 side of 2004. His claim to fame came in the U19 tour to Pakistan. He scored over 1000 runs in the series along with an impressive innings of 131 against the world champions at the time.

4. Call up to Sri Lanka A side:

In a move to develop young talent for the national side, an 18-year-old Kapugedera was called up to the Sri Lanka A side. His first-class debut came in the same series against a strong New Zealand A side comprising of Jesse Ryder, Peter Fulton and Matthew Sinclair. Kapugedera impressed as he made a brisk 70 and top scored for the Sri Lankans on the final day of the Test.

5. ODI debut:

He made his ODI debut a few months after his first-class debut at the age of 18. His debut came against Australian side comprising of Brett Lee, Glenn McGrath and Brad Hogg. Kapugedera scored a brisk 22 off 25 balls with 2 boundaries to his name. Although the Sri Lankans lost the match, his composure and ability to face the best attack in the world had been seen by all.

6. Drop from national side:

Following a few weak performances, Kapugedera fell out of favour and was dropped in early 2012. He was replaced by Ashan Priyanjan for the England tour. The tour proved to be successful for Sri Lanka as they won both the ODI and T20I series.

7. Recall in 2015:

After staying out of international contention for around 3 years, he was called up for the tour of Pakistan in 2015. His comeback proved to be a masterstroke as he smashed 48* in the T20I against Pakistan.

8. Second highest strike rate by a Sri Lankan in T20Is:

His comeback to international cricket was consummated with a blistering unbeaten 48 against Pakistan. Requiring just 25 deliveries to do so, Kapugedera’s strike rate was 192. He remains second on the list for highest strike rate in an innings after Kumar Sangakkara.

9. A possible replacement for Mahela Jayawardene:

In 2013, Chamara Kapugedera was widely regarded as someone who could fill the big boots of Mahela Jayawardene. He, however, didn’t make it to the squad due to the inclusion of youngsters.

10. Personal life:

Kapugedera married his long-time partner Tamara Derek on the 25th of June 2013 at Battaramulla. The couple has 3 children all of whom are boys.