Sri Lanka’s veteran opening batsman, Dimuth Karunaratne, has declared his retirement from international cricket following the second Test match against Australia in Galle. This upcoming match will mark his 100th Test appearance, providing a fitting milestone to conclude his illustrious career.
Karunaratne, 36, revealed that he informed Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) of his decision after the first Test against Australia. He felt the timing was right, citing the emergence of several promising young players who could benefit from the opportunity to gain experience in the next World Test Championship (WTC) cycle. The opener expressed his belief in the need for fresh talent to step in and contribute to the team’s future.
Adding a touch of sentimentality to his farewell, Karunaratne noted the significance of playing his final Test in Galle. It was in this very city that he made his international debut, making it a poignant location to bring his career full circle. He expressed his satisfaction at concluding his journey in a place that holds such personal significance.
While Karunaratne retires after a remarkable and productive career, his recent form has been a point of concern. His run-scoring had diminished in his last seven Test matches, accumulating only 182 runs.
This period included a single half-century, which he scored against New Zealand in September 2024.Despite this dip in form towards the end, Karunaratne’s overall contribution to Sri Lankan cricket remains substantial and his legacy as a top-order batsman is secure. Sources and related content
