Cricket fans around the world are preparing to bid farewell to one of Sri Lanka’s most consistent Test cricketers. Dimuth Karunaratne, the former Sri Lankan captain, has announced his retirement from international cricket after playing his 100th Test match. The second and final Test against Australia, starting on Thursday, will mark the end of his illustrious international journey.
A Glorious Career Spanning Nearly 14 Years
Karunaratne, a dependable opening batter, has been a cornerstone of Sri Lanka’s batting lineup since his debut in 2012. Over the years, he has amassed remarkable statistics:
- 7,172 runs at an average of just under 40 in 99 Test matches
- 16 centuries and 34 half-centuries
- 1,316 runs in 50 ODIs, including one century and 11 fifties
“Every aspiring cricketer envisions reaching the landmark of 100 Test matches and accumulating a staggering 10,000 runs. It’s a big achievement.”
— Dimuth Karunaratne
Reasons Behind His Decision
Karunaratne cited multiple reasons for stepping away from international cricket:
- Limited Test Matches Per Year – With Sri Lanka playing fewer bilateral Test series after the introduction of the World Test Championship (WTC), staying motivated has become difficult.
- Personal Plans – He plans to relocate to Australia with his family.
- Declining Form – His recent performances, including a disappointing first Test against Australia, have impacted his confidence.
- Strategic Retirement – After discussions with senior players like Angelo Mathews and Dinesh Chandimal, he felt it would be better if they retired one at a time, rather than all at once.
A Memorable Final Chapter
Before bidding farewell to international cricket, Karunaratne will also play his final first-class match for Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC) against NCC in the SLC Major Club Three-Day Tournament (Feb 14-16).
“I decided to step away from the game first since pursuing my next milestone of 10,000 runs seems unrealistic with the reduced number of Test matches scheduled.”
A Career of Resilience and Achievement
While his dream of reaching 10,000 Test runs remains unfulfilled, Karunaratne takes pride in achieving what many cricketers only aspire to. He becomes only the seventh Sri Lankan player to reach the 100-Test milestone.
Key Career Highlights
- Captaincy Era – Led Sri Lanka through a crucial transitional phase.
- Marathon Innings – Known for his ability to play long, gritty knocks, especially in overseas conditions.
- Memorable Wins – Instrumental in Sri Lanka’s Test series victories, including historic wins in South Africa and the West Indies.
A Legacy to Remember
Karunaratne leaves behind a legacy of determination, discipline, and leadership. His name will forever be etched in Sri Lankan cricket history as one of the finest openers the nation has ever produced.
“Several players play Test cricket, but only a handful reach 100 matches. Being inducted into this elite group fills me with immense joy and pride.”
As he steps away from the international stage, cricket fans will remember Dimuth Karunaratne not just for his runs but for the grit and resilience he displayed every time he took the field. His contribution to Sri Lankan cricket will be cherished for years to come. Thank you, Dimuth, for the unforgettable memories!
