Sri Lankan pacer Suranga Lakmal recently announced that he will retire from the sport, following India vs Sri Lanka Test series. The Indian team Head Coach Rahul Dravid and former skipper Virat Kohli congratulated the Sri Lankan bowler.
Sri Lanka is playing a D/N test match against India at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. Following India’s declaration in the second innings, Rahul Dravid and Virat Kohli congratulated the pacer, as he returned to the dressing room.
A video was shared by the BCCI on Twitter on Sunday, captioning it as, “Head Coach Rahul Dravid and former #TeamIndia Captain @imVkohli congratulate Suranga Lakmal as he is all set to bid adieu to international cricket.”
Head Coach Rahul Dravid and former #TeamIndia Captain @imVkohli congratulate Suranga Lakmal as he is all set to bid adieu to international cricket.@Paytm #INDvSL pic.twitter.com/Vroo0mlQLB
— BCCI (@BCCI) March 13, 2022
Suranga Lakmal has represented Sri Lanka in 69 test matches since his debut in 2010. He has picked up 170 wickets at an average of 36.4, with 4 five-wicket hauls to his name. In the ongoing D/N test match, Suranga Lakmal did not get many opportunities. He bowled 18 overs in the match, conceding 46 runs, and took one wicket.
Talking about the match situation, India has set Sri Lanka a target of 447 runs in the last innings. The visitors are 28 for the loss of one wicket, with Lahiru Thirimanne back in the hut. Skipper Dimuth Karunaratne and Kusal Mendis will resume Sri Lanka’s batting on Day three.
Best time for me to leave: Suranga Lakmal
Suranga Lakmal spoke about his retirement, before the start of his farewell test match in Bengaluru. He revealed that it’s time to give opportunities to young pacers, as he has already played for 13 years. Lakmal said in an interview to EspnCricinfo:
“More than thinking about my performance, I thought about what I can do for my team. I’ve played for 13 years, and now I’m 35. Rather than sticking around for a couple more years, I thought I’d give my place to someone younger. This is the best time to take my leave of Sri Lanka cricket.”
