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India coach Rahul Dravid and former captain Virat Kohli might have won hearts of many Sri Lankans with their gesture towards Suranga Lakmal. At the end of Day two of the second Test in Bengaluru, the pair congratulated the veteran fast bowler, who is playing the final Test of his career.
The BCCI posted a short clip of Dravid and Kohli shaking hands and hugging Lakmal. The 35-year old was marching towards the dressing room with his teammates after the Indian batters made Sri Lanka's bowlers toil.
The right-arm seamer hasn't had a particularly memorable time with the ball in his last Test, taking only one wicket.
Day two of the day-night Test ended with Sri Lanka needing 421 runs to pull off an unlikely win with nine wickets remaining.
The hosts started their second innings early in the day after skittling Sri Lanka out for 109 to take a lead of 143 runs. Rishabh Pant and Shreyas Iyer scored quick-fire half-centuries before India declared at 303-9.
Jasprit Bumrah trapped Lahiru Thirimane lbw off the third delivery of Sri Lanka's second innings. However, captain Dimuth Karunaratne and Kusal Mendis ensured there were no more hiccups before Stumps.
"This is the best time to take my leave of Sri Lanka cricket" - Suranga Lakmal
Ahead of his final Test, the Matara-born bowler Lakmal said that he wants to make way for youngsters, having played for 13 years. The 35-year-old veteran feels it's the best time to leave the stage, telling ESPN Cricinfo in this regard:
"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."
Suranga Lakmal, who has 171 wickets from 70 Tests, will join Derbyshire following his international retirement. He will hope to see Sri Lanka fight it out on Day three of the Test as they chase a mammoth target.
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