Lasith Malinga asks Bhanuka Rajapaksa to reconsider his decision to retire

One of the talented batters from Sri Lanka, Bhanuka Rajapaksa has suddenly decided to part ways with international cricket as reported by a letter from Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) source. 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.

Rajapaksa felt that one of his strengths which is power-hitting could be at risk if he matches the skin fold level standards. The introduction of the 2 km test has also added to the woes of the left-hander, as the benchmark has been changed from 8.55 minutes to 8.10 minutes. Former Sri Lanka cricketer Lasith Malinga has opened up on the matter asking Rajapaksa to reconsider his decision to retire.

Rajapaksa has a lot more to give to Sri Lankan cricket, feels Lasith Malinga

Lasith Malinga tweeted that the international challenges will ask a lot of questions to the players and clearly wants the 30-year-old to continue representing his country. Rajapaksa had a good T20 World cup 2021 for Sri Lanka playing an important role in the middle order. He has so far represented the Island nation in 5 ODIs and 18 T20 internationals after making his debut in 2019.

“Representing your country at the international level is not an easy task and players always face so many challenges. I truly believe that @BhanukaRajapak3 has a lot more to give to Sri Lankan cricket and I request him to reconsider his decision to retire from international cricket” Lasith Malinga reacted on Twitter to Bhanuka Rajapaksa’s sudden retirement call,” the tweet read.

Representing your country at International level is not an easy task and players always face so many challenges.
I truly believe that @BhanukaRajapak3 has a lot more to give to Sri Lankan cricket and I request him to reconsider his decision to retire from International cricket🤞

— Lasith Malinga (@ninety9sl) January 5, 2022

Meanwhile, Rajapaksa’s decision is yet to be accepted by the board as per reports and there could be changes made to the benchmarks for bringing him back. Sri Lanka has a three-match ODI home series against Zimbabwe starting from the 16th of January. Mahela Jayawardene has been appointed as the consultant coach for the Sri Lankan side in this series while Dasun Shanaka, having recovered from COVID is expected to continue leading the side.