Summary
Dinesh Chandimal has been a familiar name in Sri Lankan cricket for more than a decade. Once seen as a future torchbearer of the island nation’s batting legacy following the retirement of legends like Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene, Chandimal’s journey has been filled with highs and lows. However, his recent form in Test cricket suggests that he might finally be fulfilling that long-promised potential.
Since 2022, Dinesh Chandimal has quietly climbed the ladder of batting excellence, even earning a spot in the top five Test batters in terms of batting average during this period. Yet, when cricket fans and analysts debate about the best Test batters in modern cricket, his name rarely comes up. This raises a compelling question: Is Dinesh Chandimal the most underrated Test batter in world cricket today?
In this comprehensive analysis, we’ll explore Dinesh Chandimal’s Test career, his recent statistics, batting versatility, and why he deserves far more recognition than he currently gets.
Dinesh Chandimal: A Brief Background
Born on November 18, 1989, in Balapitiya, Sri Lanka, Dinesh Chandimal made his international debut in 2010 and his Test debut in 2011. Known initially for his stroke-play and promising temperament, Chandimal was earmarked for greatness early in his career. He became the youngest Sri Lankan to score a Test century and was often seen as the natural successor to Sangakkara.
However, inconsistency, injuries, and a revolving door of leadership roles affected his growth. He has captained Sri Lanka in Tests, ODIs, and T20s but never enjoyed a long, uninterrupted run in any role.
Despite these challenges, Chandimal remained an integral part of the Test setup. And since 2022, he has delivered one of the most remarkable late-career turnarounds in recent cricket history.
Chandimal’s Test Record Since 2022
One of the strongest indicators of Chandimal’s resurgence is his phenomenal Test batting average since 2022. Here’s a look at the top five batters in this period (minimum 40 innings):
| Player | Innings | Runs | Average | Highest Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Harry Brook | 43 | 2438 | 58.04 | 317 |
| Dinesh Chandimal | 44 | 2144 | 54.97 | 206* |
| Joe Root | 75 | 3556 | 53.87 | 262 |
| Usman Khawaja | 71 | 3111 | 49.38 | 232 |
| Ben Duckett | 56 | 2511 | 47.37 | 182 |
What Makes This Special?
Only England’s Harry Brook has a higher average than Chandimal since 2022. Even stalwarts like Joe Root, widely regarded as one of the Fab Four in world cricket, trail him. For someone who plays under the radar and in challenging Asian conditions, these numbers speak volumes.
Comparison With Contemporary Test Greats
When we talk about modern-day greats in Test cricket, names like Joe Root, Steve Smith, Kane Williamson, and Virat Kohli dominate discussions. However, Chandimal’s numbers since 2022 suggest he deserves a seat at that table.
While players like Smith and Kohli have seen a dip in their averages and centuries, Chandimal has risen from relative obscurity to post consistent match-winning contributions for Sri Lanka.
Why Chandimal Doesn’t Get the Same Recognition:
- Team’s Overall Performance: Sri Lanka hasn’t been a dominant Test side, affecting how individual performances are viewed.
- Market and Media Exposure: Players from India, England, and Australia naturally get more global media attention.
- Less Frequent Test Matches: Sri Lanka plays fewer Test matches annually, limiting Chandimal’s visibility.
Batting Versatility: A Rare Asset in Modern Cricket
One of Chandimal’s most underrated qualities is his versatility in the batting order. While most top-order batters have fixed positions, Chandimal has excelled across the lineup—from No. 3 to No. 7.
| Batting Position | Matches | Average |
|---|---|---|
| No. 3 | 8 | 68.11 |
| No. 4 | 10 | 55.34 |
| No. 5 | 15 | 52.40 |
| No. 6 | 7 | 51.60 |
| No. 7 | 4 | 57.75 |
His adaptability makes him a priceless asset for any team. Recently, when Sri Lanka needed solidity at No. 3, Chandimal stepped up and performed brilliantly, even though it wasn’t his natural position.
Performance in Crucial Matches
Chandimal’s Test career isn’t just about numbers—it’s also about impact. In several high-pressure matches, he has anchored the innings and turned the tide in Sri Lanka’s favor.
Notable Performances:
- 206 vs Australia* (Galle, 2022): A career-defining double century that helped Sri Lanka draw the Test series.
- 93 vs Bangladesh (Colombo, 2025): A timely knock that reinforced his consistency and class.
- Runs Against Pakistan and New Zealand: He has held his own against quality bowling attacks in swinging and seaming conditions.
The Sri Lankan Test Context
To truly appreciate Chandimal’s contributions, one must consider the context of Sri Lankan Test cricket. Since 2020, the team has gone through transitions, coaching changes, and leadership instability. Despite this, Chandimal has been a steady performer.
He has provided a template for younger batters and has been instrumental in Sri Lanka’s competitive showings against higher-ranked teams like Pakistan and Australia.
Media Coverage and Recognition
Despite his record, Dinesh Chandimal remains underappreciated in global cricket media. He rarely makes headlines unless he scores a double century or leads a miraculous win. This lack of attention not only robs him of fan recognition but also impacts his marketability and legacy.
In contrast, players with similar or even inferior records from bigger cricketing nations often receive disproportionate praise.
Conclusion: An Underrated Giant of the Modern Game
So, is Dinesh Chandimal underrated? Absolutely.
He is a statistical outlier who performs at an elite level, often in difficult batting conditions and under minimal spotlight. His versatility, recent consistency, and ability to step up in crisis situations make him one of the most valuable red-ball batters in modern-day cricket.
It’s time for the cricketing world to recognize Chandimal not just as a solid middle-order player, but as one of the most reliable and underrated Test batters of the 2020s.
Final Thoughts on Dinesh Chandimal Shines
In the world of Test cricket where flair often overshadows substance, Dinesh Chandimal stands as a quiet warrior. His numbers since 2022 demand respect and recognition. While he may not dominate social media or ad campaigns, his bat speaks volumes. It’s high time fans, media, and experts place Dinesh Chandimal where he truly belongs — among the best Test batters of our time.
Note: All information and images used in this content are sourced from Google. They are used here for informational and illustrative purposes only.
FAQs About Dinesh Chandimal
Q1. What is Dinesh Chandimal’s Test batting average since 2022?
Answer: As of mid-2025, Chandimal averages 54.97 in Tests since 2022, placing him second only to Harry Brook among batters with 40+ innings.
Q2. What is Dinesh Chandimal’s highest Test score?
Answer: His highest Test score is 206* against Australia in Galle in 2022.
Q3. Which positions has Chandimal batted in?
Answer: He has batted from No. 3 to No. 7 and has maintained an average above 51 in all those positions.
Q4. Why is Dinesh Chandimal not more famous?
Answer: Limited global media coverage of Sri Lankan cricket and the team’s lower Test match frequency contribute to his underrated status.
Q5. Is Dinesh Chandimal among the top five Test batters currently?
Answer: Statistically, yes. Based on batting averages since 2022 (40+ innings), he ranks second behind Harry Brook.
Q6. Has Chandimal been Sri Lanka’s captain?
Answer: Yes, he has led Sri Lanka in all three formats at different times in his career.