Sri Lankan power hitter Bhanuka Rajapaksa has been released from the 16-member ODI squad against Afghanistan.
Bhanuka Rajapaksa has played the anchor role for the Sri Lankan team for a while now. He has the ability to anchor the innings in the middle overs and also play the role of a finisher in the end. He has previously delivered several match-winning knocks for the team.
As a result, he was named in the final 16-member squad for the ODI series against Afghanistan. Sri Lanka will play 3 match ODI series against Afghanistan on their home turf. However, Rajapaksa opted out of the series.
“Want to recover both physically and mentally,” Bhanuka Rajapaksa
Bhanuka Rajapaksa had asked the Sri Lanka selection committee for a release from the squad. He stated that he wanted to take a break from the ODI format to recover. He issued a statement stating that he has been playing with a few minor injuries. Also, he wants to recover both physically and mentally.
“Decided to withdraw from the ODI squad in hope to recover and refresh both physically and mentally. Have been playing with a few niggles that have begun to hamper me lately. Added to that, repeatedly being months away from home has definitely been a strain mentally”
Bhanuka Rajapaksa further thanked the officials for granting his request and sent best wishes to the team for the series.
Thank you SLC for being supportive and understanding of this decision. All the best to the rest of the team and our captain, I’m sure you will make us all proud.
The Sri Lanka committee has granted leave to Rajapaksa and released him from the squad.
Sri Lanka’s final squad for the ODI series against Afghanistan
Dasun Shanaka (captain), Pathum Nissanka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Charith Asalanka, Dinesh Chandimal, Kusal Mendis, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Dhananjaya Lakshan, Kasun Rajitha, Maheesh Theekshana, Pramod Madushan, Asitha Fernando, Ashen Bandara, Lahiru Kumara
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