India’s ODI captain Rohit Sharma has shared an emotional message for Angelo Mathews, who is currently playing his final Test match for Sri Lanka in Galle against Bangladesh.
Mathews had earlier announced that he would retire from Test cricket following the opening match of the series. The veteran all-rounder, who made his Test debut at the same ground against Pakistan in 2009, has been a mainstay of Sri Lankan cricket for over 15 years — contributing significantly with both bat and ball, and also serving as captain.
The ongoing match marks Mathews’ 119th Test appearance, in which he looks to cap off a remarkable career. He stands as Sri Lanka’s third most successful Test captain, having led the side in 34 matches and securing 13 wins between 2013 and 2017.
In a video shared by Mathews on Instagram, Rohit recalled their long-standing rivalry and friendship, saying:
“Hey Angie, congratulations on an amazing Test career. As you play your final game tomorrow, I just want to send you and your team my best wishes. From our U19 days till now, we’ve had some great contests. You’ve been a dedicated servant of Sri Lankan cricket, and I’m sure the entire nation appreciates your contributions.”
Rohit further added, “What you’ve achieved is something very few have. Congratulations once again. Wishing you and your family all the best in the future — happy retirement, and enjoy what comes next. See you soon, brother.”
While stepping away from red-ball cricket, Mathews has confirmed his intention to continue in white-ball formats and has expressed interest in representing Sri Lanka at the T20 World Cup next year.