Sri Lanka batsman Roshan Silva has broken the silence about the lack of opportunities he has got to play for the national side, in an emotional interview with a sports journalist.
32-year-old Roshen is one of Sri Lanka’s most consistent domestic batsmen. After performing well for a long period in the domestic setup, Roshen broke in to the national team in 2017. In his debut match he helped Sri Lanka draw the 3rd Test against a dominant India team in Delhi with an excellent 74* in the 2nd innings.
“I’m actually disappointed. I have spoken to Chief Selector Pramodya Wickramasinghe and coach Mickey Arthur, they explained me why I’m not in the national contracted list of 24 players. I haven’t even got a domestic contract this time. I’m hopeful they will reconsider this” Roshen said.
Roshen last played for Sri Lanka in 2019, in Sri Lanka’s tour of Australia. Since then he has not got an opportunity in the playing XI. In 12 Test matches he averages 35.1 with 1 hundred and 5 half centuries under his belt.
Even though he was part of the Test Squad to play against England at home and the tour to West Indies, he didn’t get an opportunity in the playing XI for either of the 2 matches in both series.
“When I stayed home without any matches I was hopeful they would call me up anytime. I always maintained my fitness levels.” He went on to say.
“Selectors those days didn’t allow me to come to the R. Premadasa Stadium even. I really don’t know why. I finally booked Nets on my own money for practice purposes” a disappointed Roshen added.
Roshen said that he had thought about migrating from Sri Lanka. He also said that he is getting offers from foreign clubs.
“I’m not leaving because of my love to play for my country. I’m still hopeful that justice will be served in the future” Roshen is still optimistic that he will be able to represent the country again, in the near future.
Full interview :