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

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.

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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.

“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.”

“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.”

“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.

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