Lokuge Dinesh Chandimal, widely known as Dinesh Chandimal, is a prominent cricketer from Sri Lanka who has left an indelible mark on the nation’s cricketing history. Hailing from the village of Balapitiya in the southwestern region of Sri Lanka, Chandimal has carved a niche for himself in the world of cricket with his impeccable batting skills and steady temperament.
Born on November 18, 1989, Chandimal displayed an early passion for the sport and quickly became a revered figure in age-level cricket. His impressive performances with bat and gloves caught the attention of selectors, leading to his inclusion in the national under-19 team. Notably, he played a pivotal role in Sri Lanka’s triumph in the U-19 World Cup in Malaysia in 2008.
Chandimal’s international career took off in 2010 when he made his debut for Sri Lanka at the tender age of 21. In only his second One Day International (ODI) against India in a triangular series in Zimbabwe, he showcased his immense talent by scoring a remarkable century. A few innings later, he went on to score another century, this time against England at the iconic Lord’s cricket ground.
2012 proved to be a groundbreaking year for Chandimal as he cemented his position in the national team with consistent performances. During tours to South Africa and Australia, he averaged an impressive 50 in ODI cricket, earning accolades for his six fifties in just 16 innings. His Test debut also came during the same season, where he played a crucial role in Sri Lanka’s historic first-ever Test victory in South Africa by scoring fifties in both innings.
In 2013, Chandimal achieved another milestone in his cricketing career when he became the youngest-ever captain of the Sri Lankan national team. At the age of 23, he took on the responsibility of leading the T20 side and was named the deputy for Tests and ODIs. Under his leadership, Sri Lanka achieved notable victories, with Chandimal also scoring back-to-back Test hundreds against Bangladesh at home.
Throughout his career, Chandimal has been known for his ability to rescue his team from difficult situations. In the Galle Test against India in 2015, he played an extraordinary innings of 162 from No. 6, almost single-handedly guiding Sri Lanka to victory after a precarious position at 95 for 5. Similarly, in the 2016 home series against Australia, he played a vital role in securing a whitewash with a six-hour 132 in the first innings.
While his stint as captain lasted just over a year, Chandimal continued to be a prominent figure in Test cricket for Sri Lanka. In 2017, he led his team to a historic series victory against Pakistan in the UAE, contributing with a remarkable unbeaten 155 in the first match. He further displayed his prowess by scoring a big hundred against India in the third Test, helping Sri Lanka salvage a draw after conceding a mammoth first-innings total.
Although Chandimal faced a slight dip in his form in the following years leading up to the Covid pandemic, he made a strong comeback in 2022. In a test series against Australia, he demonstrated his immense talent by scoring an unbeaten double-century, followed by impressive performances against Pakistan.
As of now, Chandimal continues to be a key asset for Sri Lanka in Test cricket, contributing with his meticulous batting technique and resolute mindset. While his white-ball appearances have become less frequent, he remains a vital cog in the Sri Lankan Test team’s middle order. With his illustrious career and numerous accolades, Chandimal has undoubtedly left an indelible legacy on Sri Lankan cricket.
