Pathum Nissanka has been ticking all the right boxes, and the Sri Lankan opener now has his sights set on something truly special – a place among the ICC’s top ten batters across all three formats.

Already perched at number seven in T20Is, the 27-year-old has made a compelling case in the longer formats too, with a string of towering performances that have turned heads and tilted matches in Sri Lanka’s favour.

Last year, Nissanka carved his name into history books, becoming the first Sri Lankan to notch up a double hundred in ODI cricket. He followed it up with a match-winning hundred at The Oval, steering his side to a landmark Test victory in England – their first on English soil in a decade.

Now, fresh off back-to-back centuries against Bangladesh, including a career-best 187 in Galle and a polished 158 in Colombo, Nissanka is laying the groundwork for greatness.

“He’s got the game, the grit, and the gears,” said former captain Angelo Mathews. “He doesn’t just get starts – he bats deep. That’s the hallmark of a player who wins you matches.”

Both innings against Bangladesh were masterclasses in restraint and calculation. Not once did he attempt a cut shot, nor did he fall for the bait of the short ball – even as Bangladesh set the trap with three men patrolling the deep leg-side fence. The pull too, was shelved. Instead, he stuck to his scoring zones, milking the spinners and stroking elegant drives both on the front and back foot.

“In today’s age of T20 razzle-dazzle, that kind of discipline is rare,” noted coach Sanath Jayasuriya. “When Pathum gets in, he doesn’t give it away. That’s what sets him apart.”

And yet, for all his poise, the elusive Test double hundred still awaits. Twice now, the second new ball has brought his downfall. But once he figures out how to weather that storm, the floodgates could open.

His teammates reckon the goal isn’t just a top-ten finish – it’s the summit. Publicly, he speaks of his admiration for Virat Kohli and the desire to break into the elite club. Privately, those close to him whisper of grander ambitions – becoming the number one batter in the world.

Nissanka’s emergence has been central to Sri Lanka’s white-ball resurgence. After missing out on Champions Trophy qualification – a bitter pill for a nation that once redefined ODI cricket – the side has climbed to fourth in the ICC rankings, with series wins over both India and Australia.

Off the field, too, Nissanka cuts an influential figure. During last year’s England tour, he was appointed ‘discipline officer’ – and famously fined Jayasuriya himself for littering. The legendary left-hander laughed it off and paid up, much to the amusement of the squad.

Kamindu Mendis, a contemporary at under-19 level and current teammate, says Nissanka’s simplicity is deceptive. “He makes batting look so easy. When I’m at the other end, it rubs off on me.”

It’s not often Sri Lanka produces a player who looks equally at ease in whites and coloured clothing, against spin and pace, home and away. The last to do it consistently? A certain Kumar Sangakkara.

Nissanka’s numbers are climbing. So is the buzz. If he keeps piling on the runs and holding his nerve when the pressure cooker whistles, the boy from Kalutara might just take his place at the high table of world cricket.

(Telecom Asia Sport)