Danushka Gunathilaka retires: Sri Lanka’s mass exodus continues. After Bhanuka Rajapaksa called time on international cricket, Danushka Gunathilaka has decided to retire from Test cricket. Gunathilaka is currently serving a year-long suspension for breaching Covid restrictions in England.
As per a report from NewsWire, Danushka Gunathilaka, 30, has sent a letter to the Sri Lanka Cricket, informing them about his retirement. Gunathilaka played 8 Tests for Sri Lanka scoring 299 runs at an average of 18.68 and a wicket.
Danushka Gunathilaka retires: Sri Lanka cricket’s exodus continues, suspended Danushka Gunathilaka calls time on Test cricket
“It has always been an honour to play for my country and I hope to contribute to the best of my ability in the future by continuing to represent Sri Lanka whenever I am called upon to do so,” Danushka Gunathilaka said as per NewsWire.
Danushka Gunathilaka retires: Sri Lanka cricket’s exodus continues, suspended Danushka Gunathilaka calls time on Test cricket
Gunathilaka in his letter said he took the decision to focus on his fitness in limited-overs cricket. However, unlike Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Gunathilaka will continue to play cricket for Sri Lanka. With SLC lifting the suspension on him, he is available for selection for ODIs and T20Is provided he passes SLC’s mandated fitness test.
Last week, Bhanuka Rajapaksa quit international cricket. He represented Sri Lanka in five ODIs and 18 T20Is, scoring a total of 409 across formats which included two fifties. He was part of Sri Lanka’s ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2021 squad, where he finished as the third-highest run-scorer for the Lions in the tournament with 155 runs in eight matches.
This never ends! No matter what. ❤️🏏 pic.twitter.com/hsHZ3btLCN
— Danushka Gunathilaka (@danushka_70) September 28, 2021
Danushka Gunathilaka retires: Sri Lanka cricket’s exodus continues, suspended Danushka Gunathilaka calls time on Test cricket
“I have very carefully considered my position as a player, husband and am taking this decision looking forward to fatherhood and associated familial obligations,” he said in his letter of resignation.
Why Bhanuka Rajapaksa Announces Retirement? The board has increased the fitness challenges for the Sri Lankan players and Rajapaksa feared his game could be affected due to it. The skin fold level has been lowered to 70 from 85 by the cricket administration.