Sri Lankan cricket is set to bid farewell to one of its most accomplished batsmen as Dimuth Karunaratne has announced his retirement from international cricket. The second Test match against Australia in Galle will mark the end of his illustrious career, coinciding with his 100th Test appearance. Dimuth Karunaratne Retirement is not that good for his fans. Have a look at his cricket journey.
Karunaratne’s Retirement Announcement
In an exclusive statement to ESPNcricinfo, Karunaratne shared his thoughts on stepping away from the game:
“Following the conclusion of the first Test against Australia, I informed Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) that the second Test would be my final one.”
The 36-year-old opening batter emphasized that his decision was influenced by the need to create opportunities for younger players as Sri Lanka transitions into a new World Test Championship (WTC) cycle.
“It felt like the right time to move on, especially with three or four promising young players ready to step in. Plus, finishing my career in Galle, where I made my debut, makes this even more special,” he added.
A Stellar Career Comes to an End
Despite his immense contributions to Sri Lankan cricket, Karunaratne has struggled for form in recent months, accumulating just 182 runs in his last seven Test matches. His last half-century came in September 2024 against New Zealand.
As one of Sri Lanka’s most reliable top-order batsmen, Karunaratne’s departure marks the end of an era. His milestone of 100 Test matches places him among legends like Sanath Jayasuriya, Muttiah Muralitharan, Chaminda Vaas, Mahela Jayawardene, Kumar Sangakkara, and Angelo Mathews—all of whom have achieved this prestigious feat.
Reflecting on this accomplishment, Karunaratne said:
“Reaching 100 Tests is no small feat, especially for an opening batter who has to absorb the early challenges and set the tone for the team.”
A Missed Opportunity: The World Test Championship Final
Among the highlights of his career, one regret stands out—never having played in a World Test Championship Final.
“I would have loved to be part of a WTC final and experience that pressure. We came close twice, but unfortunately, it never materialized,” he admitted.
Karunaratne’s Legacy in Sri Lankan Cricket
Making his Test debut in 2012 at Galle, Karunaratne endured a mixed start, scoring a duck in the first innings but redeeming himself with an unbeaten 60 in the second against New Zealand.
Over the years, he cemented his place as one of Sri Lanka’s finest red-ball players, amassing 7,172 runs in 99 Tests, including 16 centuries. His highest individual score of 244 came against Bangladesh in 2021. Interestingly, he holds a unique record—being among the few cricketers to score both a duck and a century in the same Test match.
Leadership & International Recognition
As Sri Lanka’s Test captain from 2019 to 2024, Karunaratne led the team in 30 matches, guiding them through some crucial series. His consistent performances earned him a nomination for the ICC Test Player of the Year Award in 2021.
That same year, he was recognized in the ICC World Test XI for finishing as the third-highest run-scorer with 902 runs, including four centuries at an astonishing average of 69.38.
A Farewell to a True Test Cricket Stalwart
Beyond Test cricket, Karunaratne contributed to Sri Lanka’s limited-overs setup, featuring in 50 One Day Internationals (ODIs). While he remained a key figure in Test cricket, his adaptability in ODIs also showcased his versatility as a player.
As he prepares to walk off the field for the final time, Dimuth Karunaratne leaves behind a legacy of resilience, leadership, and technical brilliance—qualities that have defined his career and made him one of Sri Lanka’s most respected cricketers.
His final Test in Galle will not just be a farewell match but a celebration of a remarkable career that spanned over a decade.
Final Thoughts
Dimuth Karunaratne’s retirement marks the end of an era in Sri Lankan cricket. As the team moves forward into a new phase, his contributions will be remembered as an integral part of the nation’s cricketing history.