KKR vs PBKS: Bhanuka Rajapaksa Reveals Why He Took A U-Turn On His International Retirement Decision

Published - 01 Apr 2022, 05:43 PM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 01:06 AM

Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Sri Lanka vs India
Bhanuka Rajapaksa (Image Credit: Twitter)

Sri Lankan cricketer Bhanuka Rajapaksa has opened up on the truth behind his surprise international retirement earlier this year, the factor that led to the announcement, and the reason why he ended up reversing his decision.

KKR vs PBKS Dream11 Prediction

The 30-year-old batter failed to meet the fitness standards that were set by Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC). Since he wasn’t part of tours for the same reason, he found no reason to continue and ended up hanging his boots, temporarily.

SHORTS

View More

Your daily dose of cricket!

Loading...
prev
next

It is a bit controversial to speak the truth. First, I had some family commitments because, in Sri Lanka, the fitness rules are really really strict. For me, I wanted to play cricket rather than focus more on fitness. Because I thought I am 30 and it is a good time to focus on my cricketing career.

Bhanuka Rajapaksa
Bhanuka Rajapaksa (Image Credit: Twitter)

I performed well in the World Cup and I performed well in the leagues, I performed well for my country. It was a bit difficult for me to meet those fitness standards. That is why I gave my resignation, without any bad intentions,” Rajapaksa told in an interview with TimesofIndia.com.

“For me, skills come first and then fitness” – Bhanuka Rajapaksa

Rajapaksa put to rest the debate about his priorities, asserting that fitness will always be second to skills. If there is one thing that he wants to improve first, it is his cricketing abilities.

I just wanted to improve my skills/ The fitness standards are very high in Sri Lanka cricket. That is why I put in my resignation. After speaking with Mahela Jayawardene, the technical committee, and the sports minister, I reverse my decision.”

Bhanuka Rajapaksa. (Credits: Web)

They emphasized the fact that I could still give something back to the country. Fitness is very important. For me, skills come first and then fitness,” Rajapaksa said.

Also Read- LSG vs CSK: “He Is Not A Player But A Sentiment” Aakash Chopra Said Of MS Dhoni’s Batting Performance

Tagged:

IPL 2022 KKR vs PBKS Punjab Kings (PBKS)
logo
Stay Updated with the Latest Cricket News from Cricket Addictor.

You will receive the latest updates on cricket news throughout the day. You can manage them whenever you need in browser settings.

PREDICT
Dream11

Predictions Live

LIVE

LIVE STREAM