Dinesh Chandimal is a 36‑year‑old Sri Lankan wicketkeeper‑batter and former national captain, with over 6,500 Test runs and 3,800 ODI runs. He is remembered for his leadership during Sri Lanka’s 2014 ICC World T20 triumph and his consistent role in the Test middle order.
Personal & Background
- Full Name: Lokuge Dinesh Chandimal
- Born: 18 November 1989, Balapitiya, Sri Lanka
- Height: 5 ft 9 in (175 cm)
- Batting Style: Right‑handed
- Bowling Style: Right‑arm off‑break
- Role: Wicketkeeper‑batter
- Domestic Teams: Nondescripts CC, Sri Lanka Army SC, Colombo Stars, Chittagong Vikings, Sylhet Sunrisers, B‑Love Kandy, Quetta Gladiators, Desert Vipers
Career Highlights
- International Debut:
- ODI vs Zimbabwe, June 2010
- T20I vs New Zealand, April 2010
- Test vs South Africa, December 2011
- Captaincy: Led Sri Lanka in the 2014 ICC World T20 group stages; Sri Lanka went on to win the tournament.
- Major Innings:
- 111 vs India (2010 Tri‑series, Zimbabwe)
- 162 vs India (Galle Test, 2015) rescuing Sri Lanka from collapse
- 132 vs Australia (Colombo Test, 2016) in a series‑winning performance
- Domestic Record: Highest score in Sri Lankan first‑class cricket — 354* for Sri Lanka Army SC in 2020.
Dinesh Chandimal Statistics
| Format | Matches | Runs | Bat Avg | 100s/50s | Top Score | Catches/Stumpings | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tests | 92 | 6,530 | 43.53 | 16/36 | 206* | 96/10 | |
| ODIs | 157 | 3,854 | 31.85 | 4/24 | 111 | 62/8 | |
| T20Is | 69 | 1,066 | 19.38 | 0/6 | 66* | 37/6 | |
| First‑Class | 190 | 13,837 | 48.55 | 38/69 | 354* | 198/24 |
Style & Strengths
- Batting: Technically sound, strong off‑side play, reliable in long innings.
- Temperament: Calm, resilient, often rescues Sri Lanka from collapses.
- Utility: Middle‑order anchor, occasional wicketkeeper.
- Leadership: Served as captain in Tests, ODIs, and T20Is between 2013–2018.
Conclusion
Dinesh Chandimal’s career embodies resilience and leadership. From his early ODI centuries to his heroic Test innings against India and Australia, he has been a stabilizing force in Sri Lanka’s batting lineup. His role in the 2014 T20 World Cup victory and his record domestic performances underline his legacy as one of Sri Lanka’s most dependable modern cricketers.
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