Former Sri Lanka ODI skipper Lahiru Thirimanne bids adieu to international cricket

In a heartfelt announcement on Saturday, July 22, Sri Lanka cricketer Lahiru Thirimanne officially drew the curtain on his illustrious international career, leaving behind a legacy that earned him immense recognition over the past 12 years.

The left-handed batter's retirement announcement touched the hearts of cricket enthusiasts worldwide, who have admired his skills and dedication for Sri Lanka over the years. Thirimanne's journey in international cricket has been remarkable, and his contributions to the Sri Lankan team have been invaluable.

Thirimanne shared a heartfelt message on  Facebook in which he thanked for the opportunity to represent his beloved nation over the years. In his announcement of his retirement, the Former left-handed batter acknowledged everyone who had a great impact on his cricket career. This heartfelt appreciation was sent to the Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) team members, coaching staff, teammates, physiotherapists, trainers, commentators, and most importantly the passionate fans who stood with him throughout his career in spite of so many ups and downs.

"As a player, I have given my best, I have tried my best, I have respected the game, and I have done my duty honestly and ethically to my motherland. It was a difficult decision to make, but I cannot mention here the many unexpected reasons that influenced me to take this decision willingly or unwillingly," penned down an emotional post on his Facebook handle.

Former Sri Lanka ODI skipper Thirimanne had a 12-year-long international career 

Throughout his career, Thirimanne featured in 44 Test matches, amassing a total of 2088 runs with an average of 26.4. His performance included three centuries and ten half-centuries, showcasing his ability to steady the innings and build crucial partnerships.

In the One Day International (ODI) format, Thirimanne donned the Sri Lankan jersey in 127 matches, accumulating 3194 runs at an average of 34.7. With four centuries and 21 fifties under his belt, he proved to be a reliable run-scorer for his team across various challenging conditions.

Thirimanne's adaptability and skill set also extended to the shortest format of the game. In 26 T20 Internationals, he notched up 291 runs, displaying his versatility as a cricketer capable of excelling in all formats.