We are nearing our retirement age-Dilshan

17 June 2012 07:46 pm - 12 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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Tilakaratne Dilshan said that he, Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardane are nearing their retirement age. "After the next World Cup we would be gone. I think Mahela will have to shoulder the burden till the next World Cup,” Dilshan said in an interview with espncricinfo.com after a training session at the R Premadasa Stadium.

Commenting on his decision to step down as captain five months ago, Dilshan said “There were many reasons for me to step down. I don't like to discuss them at this point as I am still involved in the game," Dilshan said. "But when I retire I will reveal why I quit.”

"At that point, with the way things were going, I felt that it's good to give up the captaincy and concentrate on my game," Dilshan said. "During that eight-month period I learned a lot of things. That experience taught me who people were. I think it was the right decision to step down."
Dilshan said he was the only realistic choice to captain Sri Lanka after Jayawardene and Sangakkara both had leadership stints.

"I didn't want the captaincy and back then no one wanted to take over the captaincy," Dilshan said. "There was no leader and that prompted me to take over the leadership."

"When I took over as captain, I wanted to give younger players opportunities. Most players made most of those opportunities and I am glad that those players are taking the initiative these days to win us games. That's my biggest achievement as Sri Lanka captain. The other thing that I look back with fondness is being able to win a Test match in South Africa which no captain has been able to do. Even that ODI series in South Africa we could have won, but we lost unfortunately due to rain."

Dilshan cautioned against thrusting the leadership on Mathews too soon. "You can't give someone the captaincy all of a sudden. He (Mathews) has to be groomed under a good captain for two to three years," Dilshan said. "Not just on how to handle things on the field, but also off the field. Those are some of the things I learned. It's not easy, mind you. I hope Angelo will be a good captain, but he has time. He has to work under Mahela.

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Comments - 12

Amila. G Monday, 18 June 2012 05:50 AM

Before you think of retirement , Perform while you are in the team. How ever with the present trend in Cricketers they are well off any way .

Yohan Perera Monday, 18 June 2012 05:46 AM

We are counting on cups while they count money after a match, (whether they loose or win).

jack Monday, 18 June 2012 05:54 AM

Looks like he is more matuared now unlike an year before.

Ane Kale Monday, 18 June 2012 05:57 AM

Lot of critisizm for Dilshan during his tenure. But, we never gave him a chance. Even Mahela or Sanga weren't sucessful during their first year. As mentioned, we need to thank Dilly for the best South African series we had todate.

ahmed Monday, 18 June 2012 06:25 AM

Wanna respect Dili for his services..He has been consistent than any other players for the last two years!!!But no one talks about it..

Nodrog Tuesday, 19 June 2012 04:05 AM

After Angelo's performance last night you better eat your own words.

piyal samarakone Monday, 18 June 2012 07:11 AM

yes correct he has given his hundred percent all the time

dharshana Sunday, 17 June 2012 11:31 PM

By the time these greats retire (2015) hopefully Chandimal , Thirimanne , Bhanuka,Mathews and Tissara will be world class :).Sanga and Dilshan werent good as these guys when they were young..If we are lucky might find couple of good bowlers and one more batter at least by then...But for 2015 , I think current team is the best..play the same team till 2015 i m sure they bring us the cup that counts !

Simple Silva Monday, 18 June 2012 02:27 AM

Dilshan can get advice from Sanath!!.

Rosh Monday, 18 June 2012 03:25 AM

To dance?

samitha Monday, 18 June 2012 04:32 AM

You're talented cricketer. We thank you for the contribution you have given to SL Cricket.Better to retire now and allow talented youngsters to come up before next world cup.

Mohamed Jihaddeen Monday, 18 June 2012 04:33 AM

we no need Mathews...useless player..
we need Thisara

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We are nearing our retirement age-Dilshan

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