ICC announces men's Player of the Month for August 2024

Sri Lankan all-rounder Dunith Wellalage has been named the ICC Men’s Player of the Month for August 2024, following his standout performances in the series against India. The 21-year-old outshone fellow nominees Keshav Maharaj of South Africa and West Indies' Jayden Seales to secure the prestigious award.

Wellalage, a former captain of Sri Lanka's U19 team, made significant strides in his international career during August, playing a key role in Sri Lanka’s first bilateral ODI series win over India since 1997. His contributions were vital in helping Sri Lanka overcome India, the 2023 ICC Men's Cricket World Cup runners-up.

India, who entered the series after a 3-0 T20I series win over Sri Lanka, were the clear favorites, especially with the return of star players like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. However, Wellalage’s all-round brilliance turned the tide in Sri Lanka’s favor.

Throughout the ODI series, Wellalage amassed 108 runs and took seven crucial wickets. In the first ODI, which ended in a thrilling tie, he scored a career-best 67* and dismissed key Indian batsmen Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill. His performance in the second ODI, scoring a vital 39, helped Sri Lanka post a competitive total, leading to a series-levelling win. Although he didn’t contribute much with the bat in the final ODI, Wellalage produced a career-best bowling figure of 5/27, claiming the wickets of Kohli, Rohit, and Shreyas Iyer, effectively dismantling India’s batting lineup.

Upon receiving the award, Wellalage expressed his joy, saying, "This recognition gives me further strength to continue doing the good work I do as a player and contribute to my team to reach excellence in the field.

"I wish to thank my teammates, parents, friends, and relatives, as I am sure my achievement will provide them great satisfaction, as they have been supporting me all throughout.

"Recognition such as this, coming from the International Cricket Council, is great news for young players like us and will certainly encourage young players in the game."