Bhanuka Rajapaksa, the Punjab Kings (PBKS) wicketkeeper-batter in IPL 2022, revealed why he took back his decision of retiring from international cricket, which he had made in January this year.
Rajapaksa has been in outstanding form for PBKS in IPL 2022, scoring 75 runs at a strike rate of 238.70 in just two matches. On Friday, he smashed 31 runs off only nine balls against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.
However, the 30-year old withdrew the decision in a span of 10 days saying that he wanted to represent his country in the game he loves for the years to come.
"I had to withdraw my retirement letter because I was told to do so by SLC, as I could serve the country more. It's just that I am all same, I have been fit with my running. I only got issues with my skin folds because of which I could not represent my country and meet the fitness standards," said Rajapaksa during a post-match press conference.
"I worked on my game a bit more. I haven't played cricket for almost about four months, till I came to IPL because I missed out on the Australia tour and later the India series back home. So, I wanted to come here and satisfy myself. I love playing cricket and would continue doing things that I have been doing in the past," he added.
In reply to PBKS 137, KKR scored 141/4 in 14.3 overs to win by six wickets and make a mockery of the chase at Wankhede Stadium on Friday. Andre Russell's unbeaten knock of 70 off 31 balls enabled KKR to score 141/4 in 14.3 overs to secure a six-wicket triumph and make a mockery of the pursuit.
"The plan for us was to occupy the crease for a long time and put up a good score on the board. As we knew that Knight Riders are a very strong team and we know the power of Russ (Russell) and Billings. But unfortunately, we lost some wickets in the middle and that's where we need to work on. I am sure the boys will bounce back in the next game," said the wicketkeeper-batter.
PBKS were bowled out for 137 in 18.2 overs, with Umesh Yadav earning the Player of the Match award for his 4/23.
Despite losing their captain Mayank Agarwal in the first over to Umesh Yadav, Punjab started energetically, as Bhanuka Rajapaksa's 31-run knock-off 9 balls allowed the 2014 finalists reach 50 runs in just 4.4 overs.
KKR, the two-time champions, took wickets at regular intervals, preventing any partnerships from blossoming. Sunil Narine and Varun Chakaravarthy combined for eight overs, conceding only 37 runs, with Chakaravarthy conceding only 14 in his four overs.
(With ANI Inputs)
