On July 8, Dinesh Chandimal became the first Sri Lankan batsman to score a double century against the mighty Australians in Sri Lanka’s Test history.
He scored his 13th century with an unbeaten 206 runs. This is also the fifth time in which he was able to score over 150 runs.
Dinesh Chandimal, who has played 154 one-day matches, 68 test matches and 68 T20 matches, was born on November 18, 1989, in Balapitiya. He began his cricketing career in school and was even able to become the best player at his college. Dinesh Chandimal believes the journey he so began has become a success today because of one special person in his life.
“I felt something unexplainable when I first saw Ishika. Even though I was about to sit for my A/’Level Examination and also had to continue playing cricket in the meantime, my main target back then was to begin a relationship with Ishika.
I even told her I would not attend practices unless she said yes to me. I missed cricket practices several times so that I could at least catch a glimpse of her. I can’t even recall how many times I asked her out.” The young girl so lovingly described by this talented cricketer is none other than his wife Ishika Jayasekara.
“Dinesh was my cousin’s best friend. They would often study together at my cousin’s house. It is on one such occasion that Dinesh and I first met. We were just 17 years old at the time. He kept asking me to become his girlfriend but I kept refusing. But in turn, he would refuse to attend practices until I agreed to begin a relationship with him.
One day I said fine, don’t attend practices. Dinesh then asked me if I was trying to force him to let go of his childhood dream that he had worked hard for. He kept saying he would score well if I just said yes. In the end, I had to agree with the greatest reluctance.”
The very next day Ishika said yes to him, Dinesh Chandimal joined the Sri Lankan national cricket team and played against New Zealand in his first match scoring a whopping 150 runs. Dinesh has always believed he was able to perform well because of the good fortune Ishika had brought to his life.
“Back then Dinesh used to be very busy with practices. We hardly had the time to meet. After I said yes to him he stopped chasing after me but we did meet me whenever possible. We would often meet on the bus. Other times we would collect money to reload our phones to at least have a short conversation. We would mostly exchange text messages on our small phones unlike the smart phones available today. That is how we maintained our relationships for many years. We got married on March 15, 2015. After marriage, my life changed drastically. I think a cricketer’s wife must have more patience than a regular wife. This is because they spend many hours in training and at times we were not even able to talk till the matches are over,” Ishika says.
“Sometimes if he goes on tour there have been times I have only seen him after a few months. I have spent sleepless nights so that I can talk to him especially when he goes on tour in countries that have significant time differences. We have been able to protect our marriage due to both our sacrifices.” she adds.
Apart from his parents, Dinesh has four younger brothers. Being the first daughter-in-law to join Dinesh’s family, she says she is loved by everyone in the family.
“If Dinesh is at home he likes to spend time with his family. They would watch films, sing and just enjoy themselves. We always enjoy ourselves with the whole family. Two of his brothers are now married. Despite the addition of two new daughters-in-law his parents love me just the same. Even the brothers love me very much. Dinesh is very close to his family. It is one of the good qualities I see in him.”
Ishika says despite saying yes with great reluctance at first she began to truly love Dinesh after understanding his good qualities.
“Once I got to know him better I understood there was no one else better suited for me. He was down to earth despite his popularity. He always helps others and is very innocent. I think I fell in love with that humility without realising it” she says.
“Rich or poor Dinesh Chandimal is someone I truly felt as a person. A person may have money today but it may be gone tomorrow. I did not love Dinesh expecting anything in return. I had never expected to become the wife of a cricketer. He cannot play cricket forever but nevertheless, our love must remain. Humanity is more valuable than money. Today I am very happy that I chose to love Dinesh. He gives me all the love, kindness and protection that a wife needs. I do not expect anything else from him. He is the same innocent and humble Dinesh that people see from the outside.”
Ishika says during their courtship she had hoped to begin a career of her own. However, following marriage, this was not to be. Though despondent about it earlier, Ishika says she later understood that sacrifices must be made for the sake of their marriage.
“My parents were quite strict. They had always stressed that I must study well. That is why I was at first reluctant to begin a relationship with Dinesh. However, I did study hard and wanted to become employed. But later I understood if we both become busy it might affect our marriage. At first, there was some regret but now I don’t feel that way,”
Today Dinesh Chandimal also serves as a Major in the Sri Lanka Army. He joined the Army during a time when it appeared he was struggling to perform as a cricketer.
“He had been invited by the Army to join them and play cricket but he was unable to as he was busy with the national team. But once again he was invited by Wimal Vidanage and Sikkuge Prasanna.
At that time he was not in the national team and he also had more time on his hands due to the Covid pandemic. Since he was at home during the time he asked me what I thought about this proposal. I told him to do what he sees fit. Because his parents agreed as well, Dinesh decided to join the Army in 2020. I think that is the best decision he has taken in his life. He is military is well suited for him.”
Ishika says she feels no sadness about the time period Dinesh did not perform well in cricket and rightly so. In the recently concluded test match, Dinesh displayed to the world that he had in fact addressed his previous shortcomings.
“Any job has its good and bad times. One can’t always be successful. He performed well and for a short period, he was not able to perform to the best of his abilities. But he did not give up. He was determined to score well again. I believe he made the necessary sacrifices and corrected his shortcomings. He played very well recently. I am ecstatic about that.” Ishika says.
Ishika says she also understands that Dinesh will not continue to score in the same way in the future. “He is 32 years old now. He might be able to play for a few more years. I will be satisfied if he plays well for his country during that time. As his wife, that is what brings me immense joy.
He has no other wish either. I also went in person to watch the recent matches. Even back then I would try to make it to as many matches as possible. I was a cricket fan long before I began a relationship with Dinesh, so I enjoy watching matches.”
While Dinesh at one time led the national team and scored many wins, Ishika says Dinesh no longer expects to become the captain of the national team.
“Dinesh doesn’t expect to become captain again. He just wants to play with the team. If he remains as a player, that itself an immense pleasure for me,”