Dimuth Karunaratne, a seasoned Sri Lankan cricketer, has recently announced his retirement from Test cricket following his 100th match against Australia in Galle. This decision stems from several key factors that have influenced Karunaratne’s choice to step away from the game. With Sri Lanka’s limited Test schedule until May 2026, the opportunities for a long-format specialist like Karunaratne are dwindling. Additionally, his recent struggles with the bat, averaging 27.05 since the beginning of 2024, have further contributed to his decision. This milestone match against Australia marks the culmination of Karunaratne’s illustrious Test career.
A Legacy Carved in Galle
Karunaratne’s journey in Test cricket began in November 2012 when he made his debut against New Zealand at the same venue where he now bids farewell – Galle. Despite facing a brief period out of the team in 2014, Karunaratne bounced back and recorded his first Test century later that year. Over the years, he has established himself as one of Sri Lanka’s most reliable openers, amassing 7079 runs at an impressive average of 39.99 in that position. His consistent performances have solidified his place in the Test team, eventually making him one of the senior-most players in the squad.
Throughout his 12-year career, Karunaratne has etched his name among Sri Lanka’s cricketing greats, joining the elite club of players who have reached the milestone of 100 Test matches. His achievement places him alongside legends like Sanath Jayasuriya, Muthiah Muralidaran, Chaminda Vaas, Mahela Jayawardene, Kumar Sangakkara, and Angelo Mathews. Reflecting on his journey, Karunaratne shared, “Playing 100 Tests is a tough thing to accomplish, especially when you’re an opening batter and you’re doing the dirty work for the team.”
Captaining Sri Lanka and Looking Ahead
Karunaratne’s leadership stint saw him captain Sri Lanka in 30 Test matches, with his most memorable series victory coming against South Africa in early 2019. Elevated to the captaincy unexpectedly after Dinesh Chandimal’s exclusion from the side, Karunaratne led his team to a remarkable 2-0 series win away from home. Despite his success in Tests, Karunaratne’s international career did not extend to T20Is, with his focus primarily on the longer formats of the game.
As he prepares to bid farewell to the game, Karunaratne looks towards a future in coaching, expressing his desire to remain involved in cricket post-retirement. Currently based in Melbourne, he plans to take a well-deserved break before delving into the coaching realm. Reflecting on his regrets, Karunaratne shared, “If I have regrets, one of them would be not being able to get to 10,000 Test runs. I thought the way that I was going in 2017, 2018 and 2019, that I’d have the chance to get there.” Despite unfulfilled aspirations, Karunaratne remains grateful for the experiences and opportunities cricket has afforded him.
The second Test against Australia, which now marks Karunaratne’s final appearance, is scheduled to commence on Thursday. As the cricketing world bids adieu to a stalwart of the game, Dimuth Karunaratne’s legacy will endure, leaving an indelible mark on Sri Lankan cricket. Andrew Fidel Fernando, a senior writer at ESPNcricinfo, provides unique insights into the career of this cricketing icon, capturing the essence of Karunaratne’s journey from debut to retirement.
