Early Life

Kaushal Lokuarachchi was born on May 20, 1982, in Colombo, Sri Lanka. Growing up in a cricket-loving nation, he honed his skills on local pitches and developed a passion for the game from a young age. Inspired by the legends of Sri Lankan cricket, he began to dream of making a mark on the international stage.

Domestic Career

Lokuarachchi's cricketing career began in the domestic circuit, where he represented various clubs and was known for his consistent performances as a right-hand batsman and leg-break bowler. His dedication to improvement and results on the field saw him rise through the ranks, and he made a significant impact in Sri Lanka's domestic tournaments, catching the eye of national selectors.

International Debut

Kaushal Lokuarachchi made his international debut for Sri Lanka on July 19, 2004, in a One Day International (ODI) against Bangladesh. He showcased his capabilities as an all-rounder, contributing with both bat and ball, which led to further opportunities in the national squad.

Key Milestones and Achievements

Throughout his international career, which spanned both ODIs and T20 formats, Lokuarachchi achieved several milestones:

• He played a total of 23 ODIs for Sri Lanka between 2004 and 2006.
• Lokuarachchi made his Test debut on July 2, 2006, against Bangladesh, further emphasizing his versatility as a cricketer.
• In ODIs, he achieved a career-best score of 66 runs against Zimbabwe, which was pivotal in a match where Sri Lanka was in a tricky position.
• His ability to take wickets at crucial junctures earned him respect among his peers, with a standout bowling figure of 4/36 against South Africa in an ODI match in 2006.

Records

While not having played a large number of matches, Lokuarachchi's contributions cannot be overlooked. He holds records that demonstrate his adaptability:

• He is one of the few players to have a notable bowling average under 30, which is commendable for a player with limited appearances.
• His ability to spin the ball effectively made him a valuable asset in conditions that favored spin bowlers, particularly in the subcontinent.

Impact on the Game

Although Kaushal Lokuarachchi’s international career was relatively short, the impact he made during his tenure was significant. He was often seen as a rising star in Sri Lankan cricket, representing the new generation of players who were expected to carry forward the legacy of Sri Lankan cricket. His performances in domestic cricket continued to earn him respect, and he is remembered as a player with immense potential.

Career Statistics

Below are the career statistics of Kaushal Lokuarachchi across different formats:

One Day Internationals (ODIs)

Matches	Innings	Runs	Batting Average	50s	100s	Wickets	Bowling Average
23	22	467	23.35	4	0	21	31.60

Test Matches

Matches	Innings	Runs	Batting Average	50s	100s	Wickets	Bowling Average
2	4	64	16.00	0	0	2	34.50

T20 Internationals

Matches	Innings	Runs	Batting Average	50s	100s	Wickets	Bowling Average
4	4	39	9.75	0	0	5	21.80

Conclusion

Kaushal Lokuarachchi's cricketing career, though brief in the international spotlight, left a lasting impression in Sri Lankan cricket. His versatility as a batsman and bowler made him a noteworthy player of his time. His journey inspires young cricketers aspiring to reach the pinnacle of the sport, exemplifying the dedication and skill needed to succeed on the grand stage.

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