Sri Lanka’s Test cricket stalwart Dimuth Karunaratne has announced his retirement from the longest format after playing his milestone 100th Test match against Australia in Galle. The veteran opener, who has been an integral part of the national team for over a decade, has decided to bow out at a venue that holds special significance—it is the same ground where he made his debut in 2012.
Karunaratne, 36, cited a combination of factors behind his decision, including Sri Lanka’s sparse Test schedule in the coming years and his recent dip in form. With only two more Test matches lined up until May 2026, the lack of red-ball fixtures left little room for a specialist like him to continue. “It was the right time to go, considering there are three or four younger players who could come in for the next WTC cycle,” Karunaratne told ESPNcricinfo.
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A Legacy Defined by Consistency: A Fitting End to a Glorious Career
Karunaratne’s Test career has been one of resilience and longevity. Since making his debut against New Zealand, he has emerged as Sri Lanka’s most prolific opener, amassing 7,079 runs at an average of 39.99. His ability to weather challenging bowling attacks and lay strong foundations made him a mainstay in the Sri Lankan lineup.
Despite a brief omission from the team in 2014, he returned stronger and notched up his maiden Test century later that year. From then on, Karunaratne’s career flourished, with 15 centuries to his name. His leadership skills also came to the fore when he took over the captaincy in 2019, leading Sri Lanka to a historic 2-0 series win in South Africa.
The Missed Milestones
While Karunaratne leaves behind an impressive legacy, he admits to having a few unfulfilled ambitions. “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. But then Covid hit, and Sri Lanka don’t play as many Tests anymore,” he reflected.
Another unfulfilled dream was playing in a World Test Championship final. Despite Sri Lanka coming close on two occasions, they never made it to the summit clash. Nevertheless, Karunaratne’s contributions to Sri Lanka’s red-ball cricket remain immense, as he joins the elite club of Sri Lankan cricketers to have played 100 Test matches, alongside legends like Kumar Sangakkara, Mahela Jayawardene, and Muthiah Muralidaran.
Captaincy and Leadership Impact
Karunaratne’s leadership tenure brought stability to a Sri Lankan side in transition. His first stint as captain in 2019 was particularly notable as he led an unfancied Sri Lanka to a sensational series win in South Africa—a feat few Asian teams have managed. He also captained the national side in the 2019 ODI World Cup, although his contributions in the limited-overs formats remained limited, having played only 50 ODIs and no T20Is.
His tactical acumen and ability to lead from the front made him a respected figure in the dressing room. While his personal form fluctuated towards the latter stages of his career—averaging just 27.05 since the beginning of 2024—his presence in the squad provided invaluable experience to the younger generation.
A New Chapter Beyond the Crease
With retirement from Test cricket on the horizon, Karunaratne is looking forward to a well-earned break before potentially venturing into coaching. Now based in Melbourne, he has expressed his desire to remain involved in the game. “I’ll take a bit of a break for myself after spending so many years playing cricket. But eventually, I’d like to get involved again,” he stated.
As he takes the field for one final time in Galle, Karunaratne’s journey comes full circle—starting and ending at the same historic venue. His contributions to Sri Lankan cricket will be remembered for years to come, and his departure marks the end of an era for the country’s Test team.
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FAQs
Why is Dimuth Karunaratne retiring from Test cricket?
Karunaratne, 36, announced his retirement due to limited Test matches for Sri Lanka until May 2026 and his struggles with form. He cited the rise of younger players and the symbolic importance of finishing his career in Galle, where he made his Test debut.
How many Test runs has Dimuth Karunaratne scored in his career?
Karunaratne has scored 7,079 Test runs, making him Sri Lanka’s highest run-scorer as an opening batter, with an average of 39.99.
What are Dimuth Karunaratne’s career achievements in Sri Lankan cricket?
Karunaratne is set to become Sri Lanka’s seventh cricketer to play 100 Tests. He has scored 15 Test centuries and captained the team in 30 Tests, leading them to a memorable series victory against South Africa in 2019.
What regrets does Dimuth Karunaratne have about his career?
Karunaratne expressed regret over not reaching 10,000 Test runs and missing out on a World Test Championship final despite being close twice during his career.
What are Dimuth Karunaratne’s future plans after retirement?
After taking a break from cricket, Karunaratne plans to pursue a coaching career, hoping to stay involved in the sport in a different capacity.
