In an emotional and fitting conclusion to a storied career, Sri Lanka’s stalwart opener, Dimuth Karunaratne, has announced his retirement from international cricket. The announcement came on February 4, 2025, with Karunaratne set to play his 100th and final Test match against Australia at the Galle International Stadium, the same venue where he made his international debut over a decade ago.
Dimuth Karunaratne’s journey in international cricket began in November 2012 when he scored an unbeaten 60 in his debut Test against New Zealand in Galle. Over the next 14 years, he amassed 7,172 runs in 99 Test matches, including 16 centuries and 34 half-centuries. His average sat just under 40, a testament to his consistency and resilience at the top of the order.
In One Day Internationals (ODIs), Karunaratne played 50 matches, scoring 1,316 runs with one century and 11 fifties. Although he never played a T20I, his career has been predominantly defined by his performances in the Test arena, where his left-handed elegance and defensive solidity made him one of Sri Lanka’s most reliable batsmen.
Karunaratne took on the captaincy of the Sri Lankan Test team in 2019, leading the side in 30 Tests. Under his leadership, Sri Lanka achieved one of their most memorable overseas victories, defeating South Africa in their home conditions, a series win that highlighted Karunaratne’s tactical acumen and leadership qualities. His captaincy record stands at 12 wins, 12 losses, and 6 draws, reflecting the challenges and triumphs of leading a cricket team in transition.
His personal accolades include being nominated for the ICC Test Player of the Year in 2021 and inclusion in the ICC’s World Test XI for the same year. Karunaratne’s contribution to Sri Lanka’s cricket was not just in numbers but in the spirit he brought to the team, often anchoring innings and setting the tone for the matches.
Karunaratne’s decision to retire was influenced by several factors. His recent form had dipped, with only 182 runs in his last seven Test matches, and the lack of motivation due to the reduced number of Test matches Sri Lanka played seemed to play a significant role. The upcoming World Test Championship (WTC) cycle, where Sri Lanka would play only two more Tests until May 2026, also factored into his decision, providing an opportunity for younger players to step up.
In his own words, Karunaratne expressed the difficulty of maintaining form with such a sparse Test schedule and his desire to retire at Galle, where it all began, as a fitting end to his career. “I am happy with what I have achieved so far. I want to announce my retirement with a happy moment like playing in my 100th Test,” he shared, reflecting on his journey.
Dimuth Karunaratne retires as the seventh Sri Lankan to play 100 Tests, joining the likes of Sanath Jayasuriya, Muttiah Muralidaran, Chaminda Vaas, Mahela Jayawardene, Kumar Sangakkara, and Angelo Mathews. His legacy will be remembered for his tenacity, his ability to grind out innings, and his quiet leadership that often went beyond the statistics.
Post-retirement, Karunaratne has expressed interest in taking a break to focus on personal life before possibly venturing into coaching, aiming to give back to the sport that has given him so much.
As Karunaratne prepares to take the field for his final Test, the cricketing world will look back on a career marked by determination, skill, and an unwavering commitment to Sri Lanka. His farewell match against Australia promises to be an emotional affair, not just for him but for fans and former teammates who have seen him evolve from a promising young opener to one of the greats of Sri Lankan cricket.
Karunaratne’s retirement marks the end of an era, but his impact will continue to resonate in the annals of cricket history, inspiring future generations to emulate his dedication and love for the game.