View source for Dinesh Chandimal

{{Short description|Sri Lankan Cricketer (born 1989)}}
{{Use British English|date=February 2013}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2017}}
{{Infobox cricketer
|               name = Dinesh Chandimal
|              image = Dinesh Chandimal 2.JPG  
|           fullname = Lokuge Dinesh Chandimal
|         birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1989|11|18|df=y}}
|        birth_place = [[Balapitiya]], Sri Lanka
|            heightm = 1.78
|            batting = Right-handed
|            bowling = Right-arm [[off-break]]
|               role = [[Wicket-keeper-batter]]
|      international = true
|            country = Sri Lanka
|  internationalspan = 2010–present

|   testdebutagainst = South Africa
|      testdebutdate = 26 December
|      testdebutyear = 2011
|            testcap = 122
|       lasttestdate = 25 June
|       lasttestyear = 2025
|    lasttestagainst = Bangladesh

|    odidebutagainst = Zimbabwe
|       odidebutdate = 1 June
|       odidebutyear = 2010
|             odicap = 144
|        lastodidate = 30 November
|        lastodiyear = 2022
|     lastodiagainst = Afghanistan
|           odishirt = 56 (previously 36, 17)

|    T20Idebutagainst = New Zealand
|       T20Idebutdate = 30 April
|       T20Idebutyear = 2010
|             T20Icap = 33
|        lastT20Idate = 27 February
|        lastT20Iyear = 2022
|     lastT20Iagainst = India
|           T20Ishirt = 56 (previously 36, 17)

|              club1 = [[Sri Lanka Army]]
|              year1 = 2019–present
|              club2 = [[Nondescripts Cricket Club]]
|              year2 = 2009–2019
|              club3 = [[Ruhuna Rhinos|Ruhuna]]
|              year3 = 2012
|              club4 = [[Chittagong Vikings]]
|              year4 = 2017
|              club5 = [[Colombo Stars]]
|              year5 = 2020–present
|              club6 = [[Sylhet Sunrisers]]
|              year6 = 2022

|            columns = 4

|            column1 = [[Test cricket|Test]]
|           matches1 = 90
|              runs1 = 6,361
|           bat avg1 = 43.56
|          100s/50s1 = 16/34
|         top score1 = 206[[not out|*]]
|     hidedeliveries = true
| catches/stumpings1 = 95/10

|            column2 = [[One Day International|ODI]]
|           matches2 = 157
|              runs2 = 3,854
|           bat avg2 = 31.85
|          100s/50s2 = 4/24
|         top score2 = 111
| catches/stumpings2 = 62/8

|            column3 = [[Twenty20 International|T20I]]
|           matches3 = 68
|              runs3 = 1,062
|           bat avg3 = 19.67
|          100s/50s3 = 0/6
|         top score3 = 66[[not out|*]]
| catches/stumpings3 = 36/6

|            column4 = [[First-class cricket|FC]]
|           matches4 = 178
|              runs4 = 12,809
|           bat avg4 = 48.15
|          100s/50s4 = 35/64
|         top score4 = 354[[Not Out|*]]
| catches/stumpings4 = 198/24
|               date = 28 June 
|               year = 2025
|             source = http://www.espncricinfo.com/srilanka/content/player/300628.html ESPNcricinfo
| medaltemplates = {{MedalCountry| {{SRI}}}}
{{MedalSport|Men's [[Cricket]]}}
{{MedalCompetition|[[ICC T20 World Cup]]}}
{{Medal|Winner|[[2014 ICC World Twenty20|2014 Bangladesh]]|}}
{{Medal|RU|[[2012 ICC World Twenty20|2012 Sri Lanka]]|}}
{{MedalCompetition|[[Asia Cup|ACC Asia Cup]]}}
{{Medal|Winner|[[2014 Asia Cup|2014 Bangladesh]]|}}
{{Medal|Winner|[[2022 Asia Cup|2022 United Arab Emirates]]|}}
{{MedalCompetition|[[Asian Games]]}}
{{MedalGold|[[2014 Asian Games|2014 Incheon]]|[[Cricket at the 2014 Asian Games|Team]]}}
{{MedalCompetition|[[South Asian Games]]}}
{{MedalSilver|[[2010 South Asian Games|2010 Dhaka]]|[[Cricket at the 2010 South Asian Games|Team]]}}
}}

'''Lokuge Dinesh Chandimal''' ({{langx|si|ලොකුගේ දිනේෂ් චන්දිමාල්}}; born 18 November 1989) is a professional [[Sri Lanka]]n [[cricket]]er and a former captain of the [[Sri Lanka national cricket team]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/srilanka/content/story/1110586.html |title=Chandimal to lead SL in Tests, Tharanga in shorter formats |work=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=11 July 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.icc-cricket.com/news/860219 |title=Chandimal replaces Mathews as Sri Lanka ODI captain |work=International Cricket Council |access-date=23 September 2018}}</ref> A handy right-handed middle order batter who sometimes plays as the wicket-keeper,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Dinesh Chandimal Profile - Cricket Player Sri Lanka {{!}} Stats, Records, Video |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/cricketers/dinesh-chandimal-300628 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250301054933/https://www.espncricinfo.com/cricketers/dinesh-chandimal-300628 |archive-date=2025-03-01 |access-date=2025-05-11 |website=ESPNcricinfo |language=en}}</ref> Chandimal lead Sri Lanka in the group stages of the [[2014 ICC World Twenty20]] in which Sri Lanka ended up as the champions.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sportstar |first=Team |date=2021-10-22 |title=T20 World Cup 2021: Sri Lanka bowls out Netherlands for second lowest total in T20WC history |url=https://sportstar.thehindu.com/cricket/icc-mens-t20-world-cup/2021/news/t20-world-cup-sri-lanka-netherlands-44-all-out-lowest-t20wc-team-scores-records-hasaranga-kumara-latest-cricket-news/article37128911.ece |access-date=2025-05-11 |website=Sportstar |language=en}}</ref>

On 26 September 2019, he joined the [[Sri Lankan Army]] as a volunteer [[officer (armed forces)|commissioned officer]] and was eligible to play for [[Sri Lanka Army Sports Club (cricket)|Sri Lanka Army Sports Club]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.adaderana.lk/news/57976/chandimal-to-join-army-as-commissioned-officer|title=Dinesh Chandimal to join Sri Lankan Army as commissioned officer|website=www.adaderana.lk|access-date=26 September 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.newsfirst.lk/2019/09/26/dinesh-chandimal-joins-sl-army-today/|title=Dinesh Chandimal joins SL Army today - Sri Lanka Latest News|date=2019-09-26|website=Sri Lanka News - Newsfirst|language=en|access-date=26 September 2019}}</ref> In August 2020, while playing for the Sri Lanka Army Sports Club, Chandimal made the highest score in domestic [[first-class cricket]] in Sri Lanka, with an unbeaten 354 runs against Saracenc CC.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://cricketaddictor.com/cricket/former-sri-lanka-captain-dinesh-chandimal-scores-unbeaten-354/ |title=Former Sri Lanka Captain Dinesh Chandimal Scores Unbeaten 354 |work=Cricket Addictor |date=27 August 2020 |access-date=27 August 2020}}</ref>

==Early years and domestic cricket==
Chandimal started his cricketing career as a teenager at his first school [[Dharmasoka College]], [[Ambalangoda]]. Later he moved to [[Ananda College]], [[Colombo]] captaining the under-17 team. In 2008, he was appointed captain of the school's first eleven, which he led in 13 outright wins in a season, re-writing history in Sri Lankan school cricket. He was the first schoolboy cricketer to exceed 1,000 runs with an aggregate of 1,580, and won the Schoolboy Cricketer of the Year Award in 2009. After leaving school, he joined the [[Nondescripts Cricket Club]].

Chandimal has the record for the most dismissals as wicketkeeper for Sri Lanka in Youth ODI history with 51 dismissals and also the only Sri Lankan wicketkeeper to involve in 50+ dismissals in Youth ODI history.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/keeping/most_dismissals_career.html?class=21;id=3668;type=team|title=Cricket Records {{!}} Records {{!}} Sri Lanka Under-19s {{!}} Under-19s Youth One-Day Internationals {{!}} Most dismissals {{!}} |work=ESPNcricinfo|access-date=6 March 2017}}</ref>

In First class career, he scored 64, 04, and 109 in his first three innings for Sri Lanka Cricket Development XI.<ref name="sc1">{{cite web|url=http://www.cricinfo.com/srilanka/engine/match/403376.html|title=Sri Lanka Cricket Development XI v New Zealanders |date=9 August 2009|work=CricInfo|access-date=25 August 2009}}</ref><ref name="sc2">{{cite web|url=http://www.cricinfo.com/srilanka/engine/match/403377.html|title=Sri Lanka Cricket Development XI v New Zealanders |date=14 August 2009|work=CricInfo|access-date=25 August 2009}}</ref> He is an aggressive batsman who scored two centuries for his country's U-19s, which he vice-captained,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://blogs.cricinfo.com/surfer/archives/2008/08/dinesh_chandima.php|title=Dinesh Chandimal: Challenging the destiny|date=8 October 2008|work=CricInfo|access-date=25 August 2009}}</ref> and played for the Sri Lanka Cricket XI and Schools Invitation XI for [[List A cricket|List A]] and [[Twenty20]] cricket.<ref name="cricpro">{{cite web|url=http://www.cricinfo.com/srilanka/content/player/300628.html|title=Player Profile: Dinesh Chandimal|date=February 2009|work=CricInfo|access-date=25 August 2009}}</ref>
During the 2012 [[Indian Premier League]] (IPL) auction, he was bought for $50,000 by the [[Rajasthan Royals]]. Later, he signed a contract with [[Chittagong Vikings]] to play in the upcoming [[Bangladesh Premier League]] for the [[Chittagong Vikings]].

In March 2018, he was named as the captain of the Colombo squad for the [[2017–18 Super Four Provincial Tournament]].<ref name="STimes">{{cite news |url=http://www.sundaytimes.lk/article/1041112/cricket-mixed-opinions-on-provincial-tournament |title=Cricket: Mixed opinions on Provincial tournament |publisher=Sunday Times (Sri Lanka) |date=26 March 2018 |access-date=27 March 2018 |archive-date=27 March 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180327035550/http://www.sundaytimes.lk/article/1041112/cricket-mixed-opinions-on-provincial-tournament |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name="DailyS">{{cite news |url=https://dailysports.lk/all-you-need-to-know-about-the-sl-super-provincial-tournament/ |title=All you need to know about the SL Super Provincial Tournament |publisher=Daily Sports |date=26 March 2018 |access-date=27 March 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180327213128/https://dailysports.lk/all-you-need-to-know-about-the-sl-super-provincial-tournament/ |archive-date=27 March 2018 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The following month, he was also named as Colombo's captain for the [[2018 Super Provincial One Day Tournament]].<ref name="2018ODT">{{cite news |url=http://www.thepapare.com/slc-super-provincial-50-tournament-squads-fixtures/ |title=SLC Super Provincial 50 over tournament squads and fixtures |work=The Papare |access-date=27 April 2018}}</ref> In August 2018, he was named as Colombo's captain for the 2018 SLC T20 League.<ref name="2018SLC">{{cite news |url=http://www.thepapare.com/slc-t20-league-2018-squads-finalized/ |title=SLC T20 League 2018 squads finalized |work=The Papare |access-date=16 August 2018}}</ref>

On 19 February 2019, Chandimal scored a century in the [[2018–19 SLC Twenty20 Tournament]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thepapare.com/slc-major-t20-tournament-2018-19-february-19-morning-roundup/ |title=Chandimal responds to ODI discard with a whirlwind century |work=The Papare |date=19 February 2019 |access-date=19 February 2019}}</ref> a day after he was dropped from Sri Lanka's [[One Day International]] (ODI) squad for their series [[Sri Lankan cricket team in South Africa in 2018–19|against South Africa]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.icc-cricket.com/news/1057207 |title=Dananjaya returns for SA ODIs as Sri Lanka ring the changes |work=International Cricket Council |access-date=18 February 2019}}</ref>

In March 2019, he was named as Colombo's captain for the [[2019 Super Provincial One Day Tournament]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thepapare.com/squads-fixtures-announced-for-slc-provincial-50-overs-tournament-2019/ |title=Squads, Fixtures announced for SLC Provincial 50 Overs Tournament |work=The Papare |date=19 March 2019 |access-date=19 March 2019}}</ref> In August 2020, in the final round of matches in the [[2019–20 Premier League Tournament]], Chandimal scored 354 [[not out]], batting for [[Sri Lanka Army Sports Club (cricket)|Sri Lanka Army Sports Club]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://zeenews.india.com/cricket/dinesh-chandimal-scores-highest-unbeaten-354-for-sri-lankan-army-2305593.html |title=Dinesh Chandimal scores highest unbeaten 354 for Sri Lankan Army |work=Zee News |date=26 August 2020 |access-date=27 August 2020}}</ref> It was the highest first-class score in a domestic match in Sri Lanka, beating the previous record of 351 runs scored by [[Kithuruwan Vithanage]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.dnaindia.com/cricket/report-dinesh-chandimal-scripts-history-in-sri-lanka-with-rare-triple-century-in-first-class-cricket-2839676 |title=Dinesh Chandimal scripts history in Sri Lanka with rare triple century in first-class cricket |work=DNA India |date=27 August 2020 |access-date=27 August 2020}}</ref>

In October 2020, he was drafted by the Colombo Kings for the [[2020 Lanka Premier League|inaugural edition]] of the [[Lanka Premier League]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/_/id/30148161/lanka-premier-league-2020-chris-gayle-andre-russell-shahid-afridi-big-names-taken-lpl-draft |title=Chris Gayle, Andre Russell and Shahid Afridi among big names taken at LPL draft |work=ESPN Cricinfo |access-date=22 October 2020}}</ref> In August 2021, he was named as the captain of the SLC Reds team for the [[2021 SLC Invitational T20 League]] tournament.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thepapare.com/slc-invitational-t20-league-2021-squads-schedule/ |title=Sri Lanka Cricket announce Invitational T20 squads and schedule |work=The Papare |date=4 August 2021 |access-date=9 August 2021}}</ref> In July 2022, he was signed by the [[Colombo Stars]] for the [[2022 Lanka Premier League|third edition]] of the [[Lanka Premier League]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/lpl-2022-draft-kandy-falcons-sign-wanindu-hasaranga-bhanuka-rajapaksa-to-turn-out-for-dambulla-giants-1323338 |title=LPL 2022 draft: Kandy Falcons sign Hasaranga; Rajapaksa to turn out for Dambulla Giants |work=ESPN Cricinfo |access-date=6 July 2022}}</ref>
[[File:Dinesh Chandimal batting.JPG|thumb|left|Chandimal batting against England in 2014]]

==International career==
===Early years===
He made his international debut during the [[2010 ICC World Twenty20]] in the [[West Indies cricket team|West Indies]], playing in Sri Lanka's group games against [[New Zealand national cricket team|New Zealand]] and [[Zimbabwean national cricket team|Zimbabwe]] in the initial group stage and then playing against [[Australian national cricket team|Australia]] in the "Super Eight" final series.

After also playing against New Zealand in a Twenty20 International match in Florida, Chandimal was selected for an ODI tri-series in Zimbabwe, where the two sides also played [[Indian national cricket team|India]]. He made his debut against Zimbabwe, scoring an unbeaten 10 as his side cruised to a nine-wicket win and then registered his maiden international century by scoring 111 runs off 118 balls against India, an innings that helped his side both win the match (by six wickets) and knock India out of the tournament. He also became the youngest Sri Lankan to score an ODI century.
[[File:Dinesh Chandimal.JPG|thumb|right]]

Chandimal made his [[Test cricket|Test]] debut for Sri Lanka in December 2011, in the second Test of the [[Sri Lankan cricket team in South Africa in 2011–12|series]] against [[South Africa national cricket team|South Africa]] in [[Durban]]. He made half-centuries (58 and 54) in each of Sri Lanka's innings becoming the '''first Sri Lankan batsman to score half centuries in both innings on Test debut'''. This incidentally led Sri Lanka to their first Test win in South Africa.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/south-africa-v-sri-lanka-2011/engine/current/match/514033.html|title=Sri Lanka tour of South Africa, 2nd Test: South Africa v Sri Lanka at Durban, Dec 26–30, 2011|work=[[ESPNcricinfo]]|access-date=28 December 2011}}</ref>

Chandimal was a key member of [[2012 ICC World Twenty20]] runner-up team and [[2014 ICC World Twenty20]] winning team. He led Sri Lanka in first group stage of the [[2014 ICC World Twenty20]], until was suspended for slow over rate<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/world-t20/content/story/732025.html|title=Chandimal suspended for one match|date=28 March 2014|work=ESPNcricinfo|access-date=2 February 2016}}</ref> and subsequently lost the place in the team for the remainder of the tournament.
Chandimal holds the joint record for taking the most catches in a single T20I as a fielder (4) along with [[Darren Sammy]], [[Ajinkya Rahane]], [[Peter Borren]], [[Corey Anderson (cricketer)|Corey Anderson]] and [[Babar Hayat]]. He too has taken the most catches for Sri Lanka in a single T20I.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://stats.espncricinfo.com/slc-twenty20-15/content/records/283641.html|title=Records {{!}} Twenty20 Internationals {{!}} Fielding records {{!}} Most catches in an innings {{!}} ESPN Cricinfo|work=Cricinfo|access-date=8 March 2017}}</ref>

During [[2015 ICC Cricket World Cup]], against Australia in [[Sydney Cricket Ground|Sydney]], Chandimal scored 50 off 22 balls, this was the fastest fifty by a Sri Lankan batsman in Cricket world cup history, before [[Angelo Mathews]] scored a 20-ball fifty, where Sri Lanka had a massive 377 target to chase. During the innings, he was retired hurt, and eventually Sri Lanka lost the match by 64 runs.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cricbuzz.com/cricket-series/cricket-news/70776/australia-vs-sri-lanka-icc-cricket-world-cup-2015-live-cricket-score|title=Australia vs Sri Lanka, ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 - Live Cricket Score|work=Cricbuzz|access-date=12 June 2017}}</ref>

Chandimal was included to the [[Indian cricket team in Sri Lanka in 2015|test series with India]] as the permanent wicket-keeper and showed an excellent talent in the test level as well. In the first innings, he scored 59 runs but eventually Sri Lanka were all out for 183. In the second innings after India's huge 375 runs, Sri Lanka were all out for 367 runs courtesy of Chandimal's brilliant knock of unbeaten 162 runs. He was the star for the Sri Lankan innings with 16 fours and 4 sixes. Sri Lanka had a 175 lead and India were just ended with 112 runs and Sri Lanka won the match by 63 runs. Due to Chandimal's batting performance in the right time, he was adjudged as man of the match.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.howstat.com.au/cricket/Statistics/Matches/MatchScorecard.asp?MatchCode=2195|title=Scorecard - 2015-2016 Sri Lanka v India - 1st Test - Galle - 12/08/2015|website=www.howstat.com.au|access-date=12 June 2017}}</ref>

===Failure and comeback===
His third ODI century came after five years of delay, against Ireland on 16 June 2016.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ireland/content/story/1026945.html | title=Shanaka five-for and Chandimal hundred too much for Ireland | work=ESPNcricinfo | date=16 June 2016 | access-date=17 June 2016 | author=Wigmore, Tim}}</ref>

Chandimal had an impressive run scoring throughout the England series in 2016 and then in Australia series at home. He scored five consecutive ODI half centuries, which equals most consecutive ODI fifties by a Sri Lankan with Jayasuriya, Sangakkara and Dilshan. He missed the Sri Lankan record, when he was declared LBW by [[Adam Zampa]] on 48, just short of 2 runs for Chandimal's sixth consecutive fifty. Chandimal finished the England series with scores of 52, 62, 63 and 53 and in first ODI against Australia, he scored his fifth consecutive fifty with unbeaten 80.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.cricket.com.au/news/dinesh-chandimal-sri-lanka-consecutive-fifties-australia-odi-series-javed-miandad-pakistan/2016-08-22 | title=Chandimal on verge of Sri Lankan record | work=cricket.com.au | date=22 August 2016 | access-date=26 August 2016}}</ref>

Chandimal was not initially selected for the limited over series against India, but after the injury to [[Danushka Gunathilaka]], Chandimal was brought into the ODI side.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/sri-lanka-v-india-2017/content/story/1117723.html | title=SL bring Chandimal, Thirimanne in place of Gunathilaka, Tharanga | work=ESPNcricinfo | date=25 August 2017 | access-date=25 August 2017}}</ref> He played in the third ODI as the opener with [[Niroshan Dickwella]] and scored 37 runs, when he hit by a bouncer and injured his right thumb. After the conclusion of Sri Lanka's innings, media reported that he has a hairline fracture and ruled out of the Indian tour.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/sri-lanka-v-india-2017/content/story/1117982.html | title=Chandimal fractures thumb, ruled out of India series | work=ESPNcricinfo | date=27 August 2017 | access-date=27 August 2017}}</ref>

===Captaincy===
On 17 July 2013, Chandimal became the youngest ODI captain for Sri Lanka, when he was appointed as the ODI captain for first two matches [[South African cricket team in Sri Lanka in 2014|against South Africa]] in Colombo.<ref>{{cite web |first=Andrew Fidel|last=Fernando|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/sri-lanka-v-south-africa-2013/content/story/652365.html |title=Chandimal becomes youngest Sri Lanka ODI captain |work=ESPNcricinfo |date=17 July 2013|access-date=17 July 2014}}</ref> In 2013, he was also appointed captain of the Sri Lanka [[Twenty20 International]] side and also vice-captain of the country's [[one day international]] team. During the [[2014 ICC World Twenty20]], he stepped down from the captaincy after injury and suspension due to slow over rate and later [[Lasith Malinga]] appointed as the captain.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/world-t20/content/story/732025.html |title=Chandimal suspended for one match |work=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=28 March 2014}}</ref> Malinga was able to lead the team for their first ever Twenty20 champion title and this strengthen Malinga as the permanent captain of the Twenty20 team.

He led the ODI team and T20I team in many occasions, where the permanent captains [[Angelo Mathews]] and [[Lasith Malinga]] were injured in many occasions.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/srilanka/content/story/738967.html |title=Chandimal relieved of T20I captaincy |work=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=23 April 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/new-zealand-v-sri-lanka-2015-16/content/story/956287.html |title=Chandimal to stand in for injured Malinga in NZ T20s |work=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=29 December 2015}}</ref> However, after many poor performances in bilateral series and in [[2017 ICC Champions Trophy]], Chandimal was dropped from limited over squads.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/south-africa-v-sri-lanka-2016-17/content/story/1081471.html |title=Chandimal needs rest to rediscover best - Tharanga |work=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=7 February 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/australia-v-sri-lanka-2016-17/content/story/1081648.html |title=Lasith Malinga picked for T20Is in Australia |work=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=9 February 2017}}</ref> During Zimbabwe tour, he was again dropped from the ODI squad as well.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/sri-lanka-v-zimbabwe-2017/content/story/1106942.html |title=Chandimal left out for first two Zimbabwe ODIs |work=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=27 June 2017}}</ref> However, after terrible loss to Zimbabwe at home for the first time, the captaincy of Mathews was questioned and criticized by many critics.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/sri-lanka-v-zimbabwe-2017/content/story/1109959.html | title=Mathews unsure about captaining in 2019 World Cup | work=ESPNcricinfo | access-date=9 July 2017}}</ref> The result was, Mathews stepped down from the role in all formats on 11 July 2017. With that, Chandimal was named permanent captain of the Test team for Sri Lanka.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/srilanka/content/story/1110544.html |title=Mathews steps down as Sri Lanka captain |work=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=12 July 2017}}</ref>

His first test captaincy came during the one-off Test [[Zimbabwean cricket team in Sri Lanka in 2017#Test series|against Zimbabwe]] in July 2017. In the match, Chandimal scored 55 in the first innings, which is recorded as the highest test score by a debut captain in a first innings for Sri Lanka as well. Sri Lanka won the match by 4 wickets at the end, by chasing massive total of 388 runs.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/sri-lanka-v-zimbabwe-2017/content/story/1111717.html |title=Dickwella, Gunaratne star in record chase |work=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=18 July 2017}}</ref> This chase was recorded as the best chase by Sri Lanka in Tests and best successful chase in Asia.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/sri-lanka-v-zimbabwe-2017/content/story/1111759.html |title=Sri Lanka pull off highest successful chase in Asia |work=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=18 July 2017}}</ref> However prior to [[Indian cricket team in Sri Lanka in 2017#Test Series|India tour]], Chandimal was contracted pneumonia and ruled out of the first test. [[Rangana Herath]] was appointed as the stand-in captain in the first match. However, with two more injuries during the match, Sri Lanka lost the match by 304 runs.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/sri-lanka-v-india-2017/content/story/1112142.html|title= Chandimal ruled out of Galle Test|work=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=29 July 2017}}</ref> Sri Lanka lost all three games, with the heaviest defeats recorded at home.

During the first Test [[Sri Lankan cricket team against Pakistan in the UAE in 2017–18|against Pakistan]] on 28 September at Abu Dhabi, Chandimal scored his maiden Test century as captain, which lasted unbeaten for nine hours. He scored 155 runs the match and guided the team to 400 runs for the first innings.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/story/_/id/20861509/nine-hours-captain-chandimal|title= Nine hours of captain Chandimal|work=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=30 September 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/story/_/id/20858351/nine-hundreds-six-bail-outs|title= Dinesh Chandimal: nine hundreds, six bail-outs|work=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=30 September 2017}}</ref> With the magical spin from maestro [[Rangana Herath]] and [[Dilruwan Perera]], Sri Lanka finally won the match by 21 runs, despite a low score in the second innings.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/series/18037/report/1120284/day/5/ |title=Herath's 400th wicket seals dramatic victory for Sri Lanka |work=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=2 October 2017}}</ref>

On 6 October 2017, against Pakistan, Sri Lanka played their first day-night Test match.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/story/_/id/20645751/sri-lanka-make-day-night-test-debut-dubai |title=Sri Lanka to make day-night Test debut in Dubai |access-date=9 September 2017 |work=ESPNcricinfo}}</ref> Chandimal scored 62 in the first innings, but dismissed for naught in the second innings. However, Sri Lanka won the match by 68 runs and won the series 2–0.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/series/18037/report/1120285/Pakistan-vs-Sri-Lanka-2nd-Test-sl-in-uae-and-pak-2017-18-2017-18 |title=Dilruwan's five-for seals memorable series sweep |access-date=10 October 2017 |work=ESPNcricinfo}}</ref> With that, Chandimal had the distinction of being first captain in Sri Lanka's first day-night Test, and went to win the match.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/story/_/id/20929559/sri-lanka-not-going-play-draw-dinesh-chandimal |title='Sri Lanka are not going to play for a draw' - Chandimal |work=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=6 October 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/story/_/id/20979268/assertion-sparks-sri-lanka-dinesh-chandimal-reign |title=Assertion sparks Sri Lanka's Chandimal reign |access-date=10 October 2017 |work=ESPNcricinfo}}</ref> During the second Test [[Sri Lankan cricket team in India in 2017-18|against India]] at Nagpur, Sri Lanka experiences their heaviest defeat in test cricket. Skipper Chandimal was the only stand out performer in the match with two fifties in the match.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/story/_/id/21584643/contrasting-year-sri-lanka-india |title=Contrasting year for Sri Lanka and India |access-date=27 November 2017 |work=ESPNcricinfo}}</ref> In the third Test, Chandimal scored his tenth test century, becoming the fastest Sri Lankan to reach ten test centuries with 80 innings, bettering previous record of 84 innings by [[Thilan Samaraweera]]. He along with Angelo Mathews had a 181-run partnership in the match. For the partnership, they have faced 476 balls, which ranked as the longest partnership for any pair at the Kotla, longest partnership between a visiting pair in India in the last five years, and the second-longest stand for Sri Lanka against India.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/story/_/id/21663643/dinesh-chandimal-angelo-mathews-feroz-shah-kotla-marathon |title=Chandimal and Mathews' Kotla marathon |access-date=4 December 2017 |work=ESPNcricinfo}}</ref>

In 2018, Mathews was appointed as the permanent limited over captain after the debate over few weeks.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/story/_/id/21956282/angelo-mathews,-dinesh-chandimal-odi-captaincy-frame |title=Mathews, Chandimal in ODI captaincy frame|access-date=4 January 2018 |work=ESPNcricinfo}}</ref> However, in the first match against Zimbabwe in [[2017-18 Bangladesh Tri-Nation Series|Bangladesh Tri-series]], Mathews was sidelined with a right hamstring injury and removed from the squad for three weeks. With that, Chandimal was appointed as the captain.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/bangladesh/content/story/1133506.html |title=Injury sidelines Mathews for two ODIs |access-date=19 January 2018 |work=ESPNcricinfo}}</ref> Under his captaincy, Sri Lanka won the tri-series beating Bangladesh in the final.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/series/8631/report/1130743/ |title=Madushanka's debut hat-trick seals tri-series title |access-date=27 January 2018 |work=ESPNcricinfo}}</ref> On 7 February 2018, Chandimal was appointed as the captain for T20I side for Sri Lanka for Bangladesh tour,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/story/_/id/22352618/sri-lanka-pick-asitha-fernando-t20-series-jeevan-mendis-returns |title=Sri Lanka pick Asitha for T20 series, Jeevan Mendis returns |access-date=7 February 2018 |work=ESPNcricinfo}}</ref> due to injury of permanent limited over captain [[Angelo Mathews]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/story/_/id/22330435/angelo-mathews-sidelined-remainder-bangladesh-tour |title=Angelo Mathews sidelined for remainder of Bangladesh tour |access-date=7 February 2018 |work=ESPNcricinfo}}</ref> Under his captaincy, Sri Lanka chased a record breaking total of 193 in the first match and won the match by 6 wickets.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/series/18527/report/1130746/ |title=Kusal Mendis, Thisara Perera overpower Bangladesh |access-date=15 February 2018 |work=ESPNcricinfo}}</ref>

In May 2018, he was one of 33 cricketers to be awarded a national contract by [[Sri Lanka Cricket]] ahead of the 2018–19 season.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.icc-cricket.com/news/692671 |title=Sri Lanka assign 33 national contracts with pay hike |work=International Cricket Council |access-date=22 May 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/story/_/id/23570424/sri-lankan-players-receive-pay-hike |title=Sri Lankan players to receive pay hike |work=ESPN Cricinfo |access-date=22 May 2018}}</ref>

===After suspension (2018-2021)===
Chandimal was included to the one-off Twenty20 International against South Africa on 14 August 2018.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2018-08-09 |title=Sri Lanka vs South Africa: Dinesh Chandimal named in hosts' squad for one-off T20I against Proteas after serving ICC ban |url=https://www.firstpost.com/firstcricket/sports-news/sri-lanka-vs-south-africa-dinesh-chandimal-named-in-hosts-squad-for-one-off-t20i-against-proteas-after-serving-icc-ban-4930241.html |access-date=2025-05-11 |website=Firstpost |language=en-us}}</ref> He played as the wicket-keeper in the match as well. South Africa bowled out for 99 runs, which is their lowest score in T20Is. However, Sri Lanka lost 7 wickets in the easy chase, where Chandimal protected his end until the end. He was there at the end and held firm through sustained pressure from the South African pack to see Sri Lanka home with an unbeaten 36 runs.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/series/18629/report/1142589/sri-lanka-vs-south-africa-only-t20i-sa-in-sl-2018 |title=Dinesh Chandimal guides Sri Lanka home in low-scoring thriller |publisher=ESPNcricinfo|access-date=15 August 2018}}</ref>

He was appointed limited overs captain after Matthews was sacked after [[2018 Asia Cup]].  Due to poor performances throughout [[Sri Lankan cricket team in New Zealand in 2018–19|New Zealand]] and [[Sri Lankan cricket team in Australia in 2018–19|Australia]] tours, Chandimal was dropped from the Test squad for [[Sri Lankan cricket team in South Africa in 2018–19|South Africa tour]]. [[Dimuth Karunaratne]] was named as the stand-in captain for the tour, while Chandimal was released to play domestic cricket and regain his form with the bat.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/story/_/id/25929049/sri-lanka-drop-chandimal-south-africa-tour-karunaratne-made-captain |title=Sri Lanka drop Chandimal for South Africa tour, Karunaratne made captain |work=ESPN Cricinfo}}</ref> In December 2019, Chandimal was recalled for the Pakistan test series.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/_/id/27352936/dinesh-chandimal,-angelo-mathews-return-first-test-new-zealand |title=Dinesh Chandimal, Angelo Mathews return for first Test against New Zealand |work=ESPN Cricinfo}}</ref>

On 8 March 2021, [[Sri Lankan cricket team in the West Indies in 2020–21|Sri Lanka tour of West Indies]], during 3rd T20I match Chandimal scored his fifth T20I half century. He scored unbeaten 54* runs and put an unbeaten stand of 85 from 63, Sri Lanka's highest in T20Is for the fifth wicket, with [[Ashen Bandara]]. They had dragged the Sri Lanka team to 46 for 4 to 131 for 4.<ref>{{Cite web|title=All-round Fabian Allen helps West Indies clinch series|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/sri-lanka-tour-of-west-indies-2020-21-1252062/west-indies-vs-sri-lanka-3rd-t20i-1252068/match-report|access-date=2021-03-08|website=ESPNcricinfo|language=en}}</ref> After the series, he was dropped from the squad for Bangladesh and India tours, citing poor performances.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Kusal Perera named new Sri Lanka ODI captain; Karunaratne, Mathews, Chandimal dropped |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/ban-vs-sl-2021-kusal-perera-new-sri-lanka-odi-captain-dimuth-karunaratne-angelo-mathews-dinesh-chandimal-dropped-1262942 |access-date=2021-09-07 |website=ESPNcricinfo |language=en}}</ref> Later he asked SLC and its technical committee for clarity about his future in the national team.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Dinesh Chandimal seeks clarity from Sri Lanka Cricket about international future |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/sri-lanka-s-dinesh-chandimal-seeks-clarity-from-slc-about-international-future-1269634 |access-date=2021-09-07 |website=ESPNcricinfo |language=en}}</ref> However, after the impressive performances in the SLC Invitational T20 League, he was included into squad for the [[South African cricket team in Sri Lanka in 2021–22|South African series]] in September 2021.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Kusal Perera back in limited-overs squads after recovering from Covid-19 |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/south-africa-tour-of-sri-lanka-2021-kusal-perera-back-in-limited-overs-squads-after-recovering-from-covid-19-1275384 |access-date=2021-09-07 |website=ESPNcricinfo |language=en}}</ref> He played the third game of the series, which became his 150th ODI and Sri Lanka later won the match and the series.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Debutant Maheesh Theekshana spins Sri Lanka to series victory |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/south-africa-in-sri-lanka-2021-1271624/sri-lanka-vs-south-africa-3rd-odi-1271629/match-report |access-date=2021-09-07 |website=ESPNcricinfo |language=en}}</ref> Later the same month, Chandimal was named in Sri Lanka's squad for the [[2021 ICC Men's T20 World Cup]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/t20-world-cup-2021-theekshana-and-rajapaksa-surprise-picks-in-sri-lanka-s-squad-1277263 |title=Theekshana and Rajapaksa surprise picks in Sri Lanka's T20 World Cup squad |work=ESPN Cricinfo |access-date=10 September 2021}}</ref>

===Dominating Test arena (2022-present)===
On 26 May 2022 during the second test match [[Sri Lankan cricket team in Bangladesh in 2022|against Bangladesh]], Chandimal scored his twelfth Test century, where he made 199-run partnership for the sixth wicket with fellow centurion Angelo Mathews, the highest between the pair in Tests. With two centuries, Sri Lanka piled a mammoth first innings total of 506 and finally won the series 2–0.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Angelo Mathews and Dinesh Chandimal stand up to be counted |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/ban-vs-sl-2nd-test-2022-angelo-mathews-and-dinesh-chandimal-stand-up-to-be-counted-1316791 |access-date=2022-05-26 |website=ESPNcricinfo}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Angelo Mathews and Dinesh Chandimal centuries put Sri Lanka in the box seat in Dhaka Test |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/sri-lanka-in-bangladesh-2022-1308485/bangladesh-vs-sri-lanka-2nd-test-1308489/match-report |access-date=2022-05-26 |website=ESPNcricinfo}}</ref> In the [[Australian cricket team in Sri Lanka in 2022|Australian Test series]] in July 2022, Sri Lanka suffered a huge defeat, where the match ended in three days.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Dimuth Karunaratne hopes 'big first-innings score' can 'build pressure' on Australia |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/sl-vs-aus-2nd-test-2022-dimuth-karunaratne-hopes-big-first-innings-score-can-build-pressure-on-australia-1323521 |access-date=2022-07-13 |website=ESPNcricinfo}}</ref> Chandimal scored 0 and 13 in the match. However, on 9 July 2022, he scored a brilliant unbeaten 205 runs in the second Test and Sri Lanka posted a total of 554 courtesy of Chandimal's double hundred.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Do you believe in magic? Maybe it's the only thing that makes sense |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/sl-vs-aus-2nd-test-galle-do-you-believe-in-magic-maybe-its-the-only-thing-that-makes-sense-1324163 |access-date=2022-07-13 |website=ESPNcricinfo}}</ref> With that, he became the first Sri Lankan to score a double century against Australia. Finally Sri Lanka won the match by an innings and 39 runs, marking Sri Lanka's first-ever innings victory in Test cricket against Australia.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Stats - Dream debut for Prabath Jayasuriya and a record knock by Dinesh Chandimal |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/sl-vs-aus-2022-2nd-test-stats-dream-debut-for-prabath-jayasuriya-and-a-record-knock-by-dinesh-chandimal-1324118 |access-date=2022-07-13 |website=ESPNcricinfo}}</ref> The series finally ended in draw 1-1 and shared the Warne-Murali Trophy.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Jayasuriya's 12-wicket haul, Chandimal's 206* give Sri Lanka series-levelling win |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/australia-in-sri-lanka-2022-1307289/sri-lanka-vs-australia-2nd-test-1307302/match-report |access-date=2022-07-13 |website=ESPNcricinfo}}</ref>

Chandimal was a part of the team in 6 test matches in 2022, batted 10 innings and scored 719 runs averaging 102.71 including the double century against Australia. However he was not in the part of squad in the tour of India in 2022. The second test match [[Sri Lankan cricket team in New Zealand in 2022–23|against New Zealand]] at [[Wellington]], Chandimal scored a half century and made 126 run partnership for 5th wicket with [[Dhananjaya De Silva]], but finally New Zealand won by an innings and 58 runs.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/new-zealand-vs-sri-lanka-hagley-oval-sri-lanka-and-the-collapse-that-never-came-1362494 |title=Hagley Oval, Sri Lanka, and the collapse that never came |work=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=5 February 2024}}</ref> He later scored a fifty [[Pakistani cricket team in Sri Lanka in 2022|against Pakistan]] and Sri Lanka won the match by 246 runs.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/pakistan-tour-in-sri-lanka-2022-1320948/sri-lanka-vs-pakistan-2nd-test-1320954/match-report-1 |title=Dinesh Chandimal, Oshada Fernando hit fifties on shared first day |work=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=5 February 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/sl-vs-pak-1st-test-2022-mature-dinesh-chandimal-finally-lives-up-to-his-promise-1325349 |title=Mature Chandimal (finally) lives up to his promise |work=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=5 February 2024}}</ref> Due to his performances Chandimal selected to Wisden World Test Championship XI: WTC 2021- 2023.<ref>{{cite web |title=WTC 2021-2023: Wisden’s World Test Championship XI |url=https://www.wisden.com/cricket-news/wisdens-world-test-championship-xi-2021-2023 |access-date=24 March 2025 |work=ESPNcricinfo}}</ref>

On 3 February 2024 [[Afghan cricket team in Sri Lanka in 2023–24|against Afghanistan]], Chandimal scored his 15th test century, where he made 232 for the fourth wicket along with [[Angelo Mathews]], who also made his 16th test century.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/sri-lanka-vs-afghanistan-2023-24-1416068/sri-lanka-vs-afghanistan-only-test-1416073/match-report-2 |title=Mathews 141, Chandimal 107 put SL 212 ahead |work=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=5 February 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/dinesh-chandimal-lauds-afghanistan-seamers-discipline-1419714 |title=Chandimal lauds Afghanistan seamers' discipline |work=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=5 February 2024}}</ref> With the two centuries, Sri Lanka piled a total of 439 and eventually won the one-off test series by 10 wickets.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/sri-lanka-vs-afghanistan-2023-24-1416068/sri-lanka-vs-afghanistan-only-test-1416073/match-report-4 |title=Jayasuriya, Asitha and batters lead Sri Lanka to comfortable win in one-off Test |work=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=5 February 2024}}</ref>

Chandimal was promoted to the number 3 position in the batting order with [[New Zealand cricket team in Sri Lanka in 2024–25|New Zealand tour of Sri Lanka]] in September 2024. In the second Test against New Zealand, Chandimal scored his 16th century and his fourth 50-plus score in eight Test innings while batting at No. 3, where Sri Lanka posted mammoth 602 runs in the first innings. Eventually, Sri Lanka won the match by an innings and 154 runs and rises to the third in the [[2023–2025 World Test Championship|World Test Championship table]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/sri-lanka-vs-new-zealand-2024-1447091/sri-lanka-vs-new-zealand-2nd-test-1447097/match-report-1 |title=Chandimal, Mathews punish sloppy New Zealand to make it Sri Lanka's day |work=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=29 September 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/sl-vs-nz-2nd-test-dinesh-chandimal-rises-to-the-occasion-with-a-bit-of-luck-on-his-side-1452774 |title=Dinesh Chandimal rises to the occasion, with a 'bit of luck' on his side |work=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=29 September 2024}}</ref>

==Ball tampering controversy in 2018==
During the second Test [[Sri Lankan cricket team in the West Indies in 2018|against West Indies]] at St. Lucia on 17 June 2018, Chandimal was found to be guilty of making [[ball tampering]] incidence.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/story/_/id/23842641/sweet-v-sandpaper-why-dinesh-chandimal-tampering-different-australias |title=Sweet v sandpaper - why Chandimal's tampering is different |publisher=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=20 June 2018}}</ref>  After video evidence indicated that on the second day's play, Chandimal was taking sweets out from his left pocket, putting them in his mouth, before applying saliva to the ball within the space of a few seconds.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.dailynews.lk/2018/06/20/sports/154538/dinesh-chandimal-ball-tampering-sl-captain-banned |title=Dinesh Chandimal ball-tampering: SL captain banned |work=Daily News|access-date=20 June 2018}}</ref> Two on-field umpires [[Ian Gould]], [[Aleem Dar]], television umpire [[Richard Kettleborough]] and match referee [[Javagal Srinath]] observed the incidence carefully and charged him with one Test ban and two demerit points.<ref name=chandimaltampering>{{cite web |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/story/_/id/23842564/dinesh-chandimal-suspended-one-test-found-guilty-changing-ball-condition |title=Chandimal suspended for one Test; could miss four more |publisher=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=20 June 2018}}</ref>

At the end of match, the hearing with match referee Javagal Srinath, his team management and other match officials took place with Chandimal and he wasn't able to recall what it was in mouth when he polish the ball with saliva.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/cricket/44539299 |title=Dinesh Chandimal ball-tampering: Sri Lanka captain banned for one Test |publisher=BBC Sport|access-date=20 June 2018}}</ref> As a result, match referee handed Chandimal the maximum punishment available under the ICC Code of Conduct, which was two suspension points and a fine of 100% of his match fee.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://sports.ndtv.com/cricket/sri-lanka-captain-dinesh-chandimal-banned-for-ball-tampering-1870126 |title=Sri Lanka Captain Dinesh Chandimal Banned For Ball Tampering|publisher=NDTV Sport|access-date=20 June 2018}}</ref>

However, before finishing the match, Chandimal pleaded not guilty to the ball-tampering incident and this caused trouble at the start of Day 3 of a test match. This was started in the morning when two umpires asked to change the ball used the previous day with a new ball. Sri Lankan players did not accept that and refused to go into the field for the match. The incident got worse when coach [[Chandika Hathurusinghe]] and manager [[Asanka Gurusinha]] were also involved in the moment with the match referee and umpires.<ref name=chandimaltampering /> Over the next two hours, several animated discussions took place between management and cricket officials, largely due to the fact that the incident has informed the next morning.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/story/_/id/23822234/how-ball-tampering-episode-unfolded-st-lucia |title=How the ball-tampering episode unfolded in St Lucia |publisher=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=20 June 2018}}</ref> If the incidence was announced on the last night, the situation might be different, as said by the players.

With that, Srinath took a decision and asked Sri Lanka to take the field before 11:30 am (the scheduled start had been 9:30), or forfeit the game. Players finally agreed to play the match "under protest". The Match referee awarded West Indies five penalty runs in the match after the incident.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/cricket/sri-lanka-chandimal-denies-ball-tampering-icc-charge-captain-cricket-a8403816.html |title=Sri Lanka captain Dinesh Chandimal denies ball tampering after ICC charge |publisher=INDEPENDENT|access-date=20 June 2018}}</ref>

On 11 July 2018, ICC concluded its hearing on the trio, who had pleaded guilty to a level three spirit of cricket offence. His hearing took place before the start of the first Test [[South African cricket team in Sri Lanka in 2018|against South Africa]], with him found guilty. He received a two-match ban, with [[Suranga Lakmal]] captaining the side in his place.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/story/_/id/24069701/chandimal-hathurusinghe-gurusinha-opt-south-africa-tests |title=Chandimal, Hathurusingha out of SA Tests |work=ESPN Cricinfo |access-date=11 July 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.srilankacricket.lk/news/suranga-lakmal-to-captain-the-test-series |title=Suranga Lakmal to Captain the Test series |work=Sri Lanka Cricket |access-date=12 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180712091027/http://www.srilankacricket.lk/news/suranga-lakmal-to-captain-the-test-series |archive-date=12 July 2018 |url-status=dead }}</ref> On 16 July 2018, independent Judicial Commissioner handed down a further eight suspension points with maximum possible punishment for their spirit of cricket offence and suspended for four ODIs as well.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/story/_/id/24110655/dinesh-chandimal-miss-four-more-games-spririt-cricket-breach |title=Chandimal to miss four more games over spirit of cricket breach |work=ESPN Cricinfo |access-date=16 July 2018}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/cricket/44844156|title=Dinesh Chandimal: Sri Lanka captain banned for two Tests and four ODIs|date=2018-07-16|work=BBC Sport|access-date=17 July 2018|language=en-GB}}</ref>

== International centuries ==
Chandimal has made 20 international [[Century (cricket)|centuries]]- 16 in [[Test cricket]], and 4 in [[One Day International]] (ODI) format.

=== Key ===
* '''*''' {{en dash}} Remained [[not out]]
* '''{{double-dagger}}''' {{en dash}} [[Captain (cricket)|Captain]] of Sri Lanka in that match
* '''{{dagger}}''' {{en dash}} [[Man of the match]]

===Test centuries===
{| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders"
|+Test centuries scored by Dinesh Chandimal<ref>{{cite web|title=List of Test cricket centuries by Dinesh Chandimal|website=[[ESPNcricinfo]]|publisher=[[ESPN Inc.]]|access-date=26 September 2024|url=https://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/player/300628.html?class=1;filter=advanced;orderby=start;runsmin1=100;runsval1=runs;template=results;type=batting;view=innings}}</ref>
|-
!No.
!Score
!Against
!Pos.
!Inn.
!Test
!Venue
!H/A/N
!Date
!Result
!Ref
|-
||1
!scope=row| {{sort|1160|116*}}
||{{cr|BAN}}||6||1||1/2|| [[Galle International Stadium]], [[Galle]] ||Home||{{dts|format=dmy|2013|March|13}}||Drawn||<ref>{{cite web|title=Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh, 1st Test at Galle, Mar 08 2013 - Full Scorecard|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/bangladesh-tour-of-sri-lanka-2012-13-602463/sri-lanka-vs-bangladesh-1st-test-602472/full-scorecard|website=ESPNcricinfo|publisher=ESPN Inc.|access-date=26 September 2024}}</ref>
|-
||2
!scope=row| {{sort|1020|102}}
||{{cr|BAN}}||6||2||2/2|| [[R. Premadasa Stadium]], [[Colombo]]||Home||{{dts|format=dmy|16 March 2013}}||Won||<ref>{{cite web|title=Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh, 2nd Test at Colombo, Mar 16 2013 - Full Scorecard|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/bangladesh-tour-of-sri-lanka-2012-13-602463/sri-lanka-vs-bangladesh-2nd-test-602473/full-scorecard|website=ESPNcricinfo|publisher=ESPN Inc.|access-date=26 September 2024}}</ref>
|-
||3
!scope=row| {{sort|1000|100*}}
||{{cr|BAN}}||5||3||2/2|| [[Zohur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium]], [[Chittagong|Chattogram]] ||Away||{{dts|format=dmy|4 February 2014}}||Drawn||<ref>{{cite web|title=Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka, 2nd Test at Chattogram, Feb 04 2014 - Full Scorecard {{!}} ESPNcricinfo.com|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/sri-lanka-in-bangladesh-test-series-2013-14-690341/bangladesh-vs-sri-lanka-2nd-test-690349/full-scorecard|website=ESPNcricinfo|publisher=ESPN Inc.|access-date=26 September 2024}}</ref>
|-
||4
!scope=row| {{sort|1620|162*}}&nbsp;{{dagger}}
||{{cr|IND}}||6||3||1/3|| [[Galle International Stadium]], [[Galle]] ||Home||{{dts|format=dmy|2015|August|12}}||Won||<ref>{{cite web|title=Sri Lanka vs India, 1st Test at Galle, Aug 12 2015 - Full Scorecard|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/india-tour-of-sri-lanka-2015-895057/sri-lanka-vs-india-1st-test-895773/full-scorecard|website=ESPNcricinfo|publisher=ESPN Inc.|access-date=26 September 2024}}</ref>
|-
||5
!scope=row| {{sort|1510|151}}
||{{cr|WIN}}||4||1||1/2|| [[Galle International Stadium]], [[Galle]] ||Home||{{dts|format=dmy|2015|October|14}}||Won||<ref>{{cite web|title=Sri Lanka vs West Indies, 1st Test at Galle, Oct 14 2015 - Full Scorecard|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/west-indies-tour-of-sri-lanka-2015-16-915221/sri-lanka-vs-west-indies-1st-test-915773/full-scorecard|website=ESPNcricinfo|publisher=ESPN Inc.|access-date=26 September 2024}}</ref>
|-
||6
!scope=row| {{sort|1260|126}}
||{{cr|ENG}}||6||3||2/3|| [[Riverside Ground]], [[Chester-le-Street]] ||Away||{{dts|format=dmy|2016|May|27}}||Lost||<ref>{{cite web|title=England vs Sri Lanka, 2nd Investec Test at Chester-le-Street, May 27 2016 - Full Scorecard|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/sri-lanka-tour-of-england-and-ireland-2016-913581/england-vs-sri-lanka-2nd-investec-test-913615/full-scorecard|website=ESPNcricinfo|publisher=ESPN Inc.|access-date=26 September 2024}}</ref>
|-
||7
!scope=row| {{sort|1320|132}}
||{{cr|AUS}}||6||1||3/3|| [[Singhalese Sports Club Cricket Ground]], [[Colombo]] ||Home||{{dts|format=dmy|2016|August|13}}||Won||<ref>{{cite web|title=Sri Lanka vs Australia, 3rd Test at Colombo, Aug 13 2016 - Full Scorecard|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/australia-tour-of-sri-lanka-2016-995431/sri-lanka-vs-australia-3rd-test-995455/full-scorecard|website=ESPNcricinfo|publisher=ESPN Inc.|access-date=26 September 2024}}</ref>
|-
||8
!scope=row| {{sort|1380|138}}
||{{cr|BAN}}||4||1||2/2|| [[R. Premadasa Stadium]], [[Colombo]]||Home||{{dts|format=dmy|2017|March|15}}||Lost||<ref>{{cite web|title=Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh, 2nd Test at Colombo, Mar 15 2017 - Full Scorecard|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/sl-v-bdesh-2016-17-1083436/sri-lanka-vs-bangladesh-2nd-test-1083445/full-scorecard|website=ESPNcricinfo|publisher=ESPN Inc.|access-date=26 September 2024}}</ref>
|-
||9
!scope=row| {{sort|1550|155*}}&nbsp;{{double-dagger}}
||{{cr|PAK}}||5||1||1/2|| [[Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium]], [[Abu Dhabi]]||Neutral||{{dts|format=dmy|2017|September|28}}||Won||<ref>{{cite web|title=Sri Lanka vs Pakistan, 1st Test at Abu Dhabi, Sep 28 2017 - Full Scorecard|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/pak-in-uae-2017-18-1120278/pakistan-vs-sri-lanka-1st-test-1120284/full-scorecard|website=ESPNcricinfo|publisher=ESPN Inc.|access-date=26 September 2024}}</ref>
|-
||10
!scope=row| {{sort|1640|164}}&nbsp;{{double-dagger}}
|{{Flag icon|India}} [[India national cricket team|India]]
|5
|1
|3/3
| [[Feroz Shah Kotla Ground]], [[Delhi]]
|Away 
|2 December 2017
|Drawn 
|<ref>{{Cite web |title=IND vs SL Cricket Scorecard, 3rd Test at Delhi, December 02 - 06, 2017 |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/sl-in-india-2017-18-1122718/india-vs-sri-lanka-3rd-test-1122725/full-scorecard |access-date=2024-09-27 |website=ESPNcricinfo |language=en}}</ref>
|-
||11
!scope=row| {{sort|1190|119^}}&nbsp;{{double-dagger}}
||{{cr|WIN}}||5||1||2/3|| [[Daren Sammy Cricket Ground]], [[Gros Islet]] ||Away||{{dts|format=dmy|2018|June|14}}||Drawn||<ref>{{cite web|title=West Indies vs Sri Lanka, 2nd Test at Gros Islet, Jun 14 2018 - Full Scorecard|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/sl-in-wi-2018-1135144/west-indies-vs-sri-lanka-2nd-test-1135150/full-scorecard|website=ESPNcricinfo|publisher=ESPN Inc.|access-date=27 September 2024}}</ref>
|-
||12
!scope=row| {{sort|1240|124}}
||{{cr|BAN}}||7||2||2/2|| [[Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium]], [[Mirpur Model Thana|Mirpur]]||Away||{{dts|format=dmy|2022|May|23}}||Won||<ref>{{cite web|title=Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka, 2nd Test at Dhaka, BAN v SL, May 23 2022 - Full Scorecard|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/sri-lanka-in-bangladesh-2022-1308485/bangladesh-vs-sri-lanka-2nd-test-1308489/full-scorecard|website=ESPNcricinfo|publisher=ESPN Inc.|access-date=27 September 2024}}</ref>
|-
||13
!scope=row| {{sort|2060|206*}}
||{{cr|AUS}}||5||2||2/2|| [[Galle International Stadium]], [[Galle]] ||Home||{{dts|format=dmy|2022|July|8}}||Won||<ref>{{cite web|title=Sri Lanka vs Australia, 2nd Test at Galle, SL v AUS, Jul 08 2022 - Full Scorecard|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/australia-in-sri-lanka-2022-1307289/sri-lanka-vs-australia-2nd-test-1307302/full-scorecard|website=ESPNcricinfo|publisher=ESPN Inc.|access-date=27 September 2024}}</ref>
|-
||14
!scope=row| {{sort|1020|102*}}
||{{cr|IRE}}||5||1||1/2|| [[Galle International Stadium]], [[Galle]] ||Home||{{dts|format=dmy|2023|April|16}}||Won||<ref>{{cite web|title=Sri Lanka vs Ireland, 1st Test at Galle, SL v IRE, Apr 16 2023 - Full Scorecard|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/ireland-in-sri-lanka-2023-1363445/sri-lanka-vs-ireland-1st-test-1363447/full-scorecard|website=ESPNcricinfo|publisher=ESPN Inc.|access-date=27 September 2024}}</ref>
|-
||15
!scope=row| {{sort|1070|107}}
||{{cr|AFG}}||5||2||1/1|| [[Singhalese Sports Club Cricket Ground]], [[Colombo]] ||Home||{{dts|format=dmy|2024|February|2}}||Won||<ref>{{cite web|title=Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan, Only Test at Colombo, SL v AFG, Feb 02 2024 - Full Scorecard|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/sri-lanka-vs-afghanistan-2023-24-1416068/sri-lanka-vs-afghanistan-only-test-1416073/full-scorecard|website=ESPNcricinfo|publisher=ESPN Inc.|access-date=27 September 2024}}</ref>
|-
||16
!scope=row| {{sort|116|116}}
||{{cr|NZ}}||3||1||2/2|| [[Galle International Stadium]], [[Galle]] ||Home||{{dts|format=dmy|2024|September|26}}||Won||<ref>{{cite web|title=Sri Lanka vs New Zealand, 2nd Test at Galle, SL vs NZ, Sep 26 2024 - Full Scorecard|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/sri-lanka-vs-new-zealand-2024-1447091/sri-lanka-vs-new-zealand-2nd-test-1447097/full-scorecard|website=ESPNcricinfo|publisher=ESPN Inc.|access-date=27 September 2024}}</ref>
|}

=== One Day International Centuries ===
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|+ODI Centuries Scored by Dinesh Chandimal
!No.
!Score
!Against
!Pos.
!Inn.
!S/R
!Venue
!H/A/N
!Date
!Result 
!Ref
|-
|1
|111 {{dagger}}
|{{flag icon|India}} [[India national cricket team|India]] 
|3
|2
|94.06
|[[Harare Sports Club]], [[Harare]]
|N
|5 June 2010
|Won
|<ref>{{Cite web |title=IND vs SL Cricket Scorecard, 5th Match at Harare, June 05, 2010 |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/zimbabwe-triangular-series-2010-452140/india-vs-sri-lanka-5th-match-452150/full-scorecard |access-date=2024-10-04 |website=ESPNcricinfo |language=en}}</ref>
|-
|2
|105*{{dagger}}
|{{Flag icon|England}} [[England cricket team|England]]
|3
|2
|83.33
|[[Lord's]], [[London]]
|A
|3 July 2011
|Won
|<ref>{{Cite web |title=ENG vs SL Cricket Scorecard, 3rd ODI at London, July 03, 2011 |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/sri-lanka-tour-of-england-and-scotland-2011-474449/england-vs-sri-lanka-3rd-odi-474469/full-scorecard |access-date=2024-10-04 |website=ESPNcricinfo |language=en}}</ref>
|-
|3
|100*{{dagger}}
|{{cr|IRE}}
|4
|1
|93.45
|[[Malahide Cricket Club Ground]], [[Dublin]]
|A
|16 June 2016
|Won
|<ref>{{Cite web |title=IRE vs SL Cricket Scorecard, 1st ODI at Dublin, June 16, 2016 |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/sri-lanka-tour-of-england-and-ireland-2016-913581/ireland-vs-sri-lanka-1st-odi-913619/full-scorecard |access-date=2024-10-04 |website=ESPNcricinfo |language=en}}</ref>
|-
|4
|102
|{{Flag icon|Australia}} [[Australia national cricket team|Australia]]
|4
|1
|78.46
|[[Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium]], [[Dambulla]]
|H
|28 August 2016
|Lost
|<ref>{{Cite web |title=SL vs AUS Cricket Scorecard, 3rd ODI at Dambulla, August 28, 2016 |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/australia-tour-of-sri-lanka-2016-995431/sri-lanka-vs-australia-3rd-odi-995461/full-scorecard |access-date=2024-10-04 |website=ESPNcricinfo |language=en}}</ref>
|}

==Personal life==
On 26 December 2004, Dinesh was just a 14-year-old boy when his family home was destroyed by [[2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami|the Indian Ocean Tsunami tragedy]]. He still frequents [[Balapitiya]], to memorialize the tragic incident which devastated his family.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://magazine.lankahelp.com/2012/03/10/lesser-known-facts-about-dinesh-chandimal/|title=Lesser Known Facts about Dinesh Chandimal - Lanka Help Magazine|author=Sandakalum|date=10 March 2012|access-date=12 June 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|first=Andrew Fidel|last=Fernando|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/new-zealand-v-sri-lanka-2014-15/content/story/813239.html|date=24 December 2014|title=Chandimal recalls Tsunami pain|work=ESPNcricinfo|access-date=12 June 2017}}</ref>

Chandimal's younger brother [[Kamesh Nirmal]] is also a cricketer.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/cricketers/kamesh-nirmal-1210089 |date=24 December 2014|title=Kamesh Nirma profile |work=ESPNcricinfo|access-date=12 June 2018}}</ref> During second round of the Inter School Under-17 Division I tournament in 2017, Kamesh scored a match winning century against St. Xavier's College, Marawila and Ananda won the match by 129 runs.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.island.lk/index.php?page_cat=article-details&page=article-details&code_title=167450|date=24 December 2014|title=Kamesh's century sets up crushing win for Ananda Under-17 Division I Cricket |work=ESPNcricinfo|access-date=12 June 2018}}</ref> Following his brother's foot steps Kamesh scored a brilliant century in the 89th Battle of the Maroons.
 
Chandimal married his longtime partner Ishika Jayasekara on 1 May 2015 in [[Colombo]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://gossip.hirufm.lk/4451/2015/04/dinesh-chandimal-wedding-day-held-on-may-1st.html|title=දිනේෂ් චන්දිමාල් යුගදිවියට - Photos - Hiru Gossip|access-date=12 June 2017}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.photo.gossiplankanews.com/2015/05/dinesh-chandimal-wedding.html|title=Dinesh Chandimal Wedding|access-date=3 May 2015|archive-date=18 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180818092650/http://www.photo.gossiplankanews.com/2015/05/dinesh-chandimal-wedding.html|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://gallery.egossip.lk/2015/05/dinesh-chandimals-wedding-day.html |title=Dinesh Chandimal's Wedding Day |access-date=3 May 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151223125738/http://gallery.egossip.lk/2015/05/dinesh-chandimals-wedding-day.html |archive-date=23 December 2015 |url-status=dead }}</ref> In October 2020, he was commissioned as a [[Major (rank)|Major]] in the [[Sri Lanka Army Volunteer Force]] attached the [[Sri Lanka Army Ordnance Corps]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Dinesh Chandimal and Thisara Perera commissioned to Army Volunteer Force |url=http://www.newswire.lk/2020/10/09/watch-dinesh-chandimal-and-thisara-perera-commissioned-to-army-volunteer-force/ |access-date=9 October 2020 |agency=newswire.lk}}</ref>

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
* {{cricinfo|ref=srilanka/content/player/300628.html}}
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20160229161532/http://www.wisdenindia.com/player/Sri-Lanka/Dinesh-Chandimal/3621.html Dinesh Chandimal]'s profile page on Wisden
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Chandimal, Dinesh}}
[[Category:1989 births]]
[[Category:Alumni of Ananda College]]
[[Category:Alumni of Dharmasoka College]]
[[Category:Asian Games gold medalists for Sri Lanka]]
[[Category:Asian Games cricketers for Sri Lanka]]
[[Category:Asian Games gold medalists in cricket]]
[[Category:Cricketers at the 2014 Asian Games]]
[[Category:Cricketers at the 2015 Cricket World Cup]]
[[Category:Galle Guardians cricketers]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Medalists at the 2014 Asian Games]]
[[Category:Nondescripts Cricket Club cricketers]]
[[Category:Ruhuna cricketers]]
[[Category:Sri Lankan cricketers]]
[[Category:Sri Lanka One Day International cricketers]]
[[Category:Sri Lanka Twenty20 International cricketers]]
[[Category:21st-century Sri Lankan sportsmen]]
[[Category:Sri Lanka Test cricketers]]
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[[Category:Wayamba cricketers]]
[[Category:Wayamba United cricketers]]
[[Category:Sri Lanka Army Sports Club cricketers]]
[[Category:Cricketers from Southern Province, Sri Lanka]]
[[Category:Sri Lanka Army Volunteer Force officers]]
[[Category:Sri Lanka Army Ordnance Corps officers]]
[[Category:Colombo Stars cricketers]]
[[Category:South Asian Games silver medalists for Sri Lanka]]
[[Category:South Asian Games medalists in cricket]]
[[Category:Wicket-keepers]]