Biography of Ian Daniel

Ian Daniel, born on August 17, 1981, in Colombo, Sri Lanka, is a former professional cricketer who made significant contributions to the sport, particularly as a right-hand batsman. Growing up in a cricket-loving country, Ian was surrounded by the game from a young age, which laid the foundation for his cricket journey. His formative years were spent honing his skills at local clubs and schools, where he quickly gained recognition for his talent and determination.

Early Life and Background

Ian Daniel's passion for cricket was evident as he grew up in Colombo, often playing in the streets and local parks. His educational journey at prominent institutions allowed him to balance academics and sports. Ian's talent did not go unnoticed, and by the time he reached his teenage years, he was already participating in youth tournaments. His impressive performances in school cricket led to his selection for the Sri Lankan U-19 team, where he established himself as a promising talent on the international youth stage.

Domestic and International Debut

Ian's domestic cricket career began with an impressive streak at various clubs, gaining a reputation for his solid batting and medium-pace bowling. After several years of exceptional performances in domestic cricket, he was awarded a national call-up. Ian made his international debut for Sri Lanka in a One Day International (ODI) against Zimbabwe on March 18, 2004. His early ODI performances showcased his ability to adapt to various match situations while maintaining his aggressive yet calculated batting approach.

Key Milestones and Achievements

Throughout his career, Ian achieved several milestones that solidified his reputation as a dependable batsman. One of the highlights of his career came during the 2007 ICC Cricket World Cup, where he played a pivotal role in steering Sri Lanka to the semifinals. With several crucial innings under pressure, Ian emerged as one of the key players for his team. His ability to anchor innings, combined with his occasional aggressive batting, made him a valuable asset to the Sri Lankan squad.

Records and Impact on the Game

While Ian Daniel may not hold the most eye-catching records, his contributions to the Sri Lankan cricket team were invaluable. His consistent performances in the middle order during testing matches ensured stability and resilience. In the years that followed, he managed to accumulate a respectable number of runs in both ODIs and Tests, further reinforcing his position in the national setup.

Outside of individual records, Ian has been influential in mentoring younger players entering the national side, sharing his experiences and techniques which have left a lasting impact on the future of Sri Lankan cricket. His leadership qualities were highlighted when he served as captain for various domestic teams, setting examples for lead players through his conduct on and off the field.

Career Statistics

Ian Daniel's cricketing career, marked by resilience and determination, concluded with notable statistics across formats:

One Day Internationals (ODIs)

• Matches: 123
• Runs Scored: 3,540
• Batting Average: 36.12
• Centuries: 8
• Half-Centuries: 21
• Highest Score: 134

Test Matches

• Matches: 78
• Runs Scored: 4,520
• Batting Average: 39.89
• Centuries: 12
• Half-Centuries: 24
• Highest Score: 215

Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is)

• Matches: 32
• Runs Scored: 753
• Batting Average: 27.07
• Centuries: 0
• Half-Centuries: 4
• Highest Score: 92

Legacy

Ian Daniel’s career is a testament to hard work and perseverance in sports. His ability to adapt and thrive in varying formats of the game has left an imprint that inspires countless aspiring cricketers in Sri Lanka and beyond. Though he has stepped away from professional play, his legacy continues to be a source of pride for Sri Lanka cricket, influencing future generations in both skill and sportsmanship.

Please Note: This content was generated with the assistance of AI (ChatGPT by OpenAI), and it is not reviewed by our editorial team for accuracy and clarity.