Sri Lankan all-rounder Dunith Wellalage is making a courageous return to the national squad this Saturday. He had briefly left the Asia Cup team to be with his family after the devastating death of his father, Suranga.
The 22-year-old player immediately flew back to Colombo on Thursday night upon hearing the news. His father, Suranga, passed away at 54 due to a heart attack while Wellalage was actively playing in a Group B match against Afghanistan.
Wellalage is scheduled to fly back to the UAE tonight (Friday), accompanied by team manager Mahinda Halangode. He is expected to be available for selection in Sri Lanka’s crucial opening Super Four match against Bangladesh.
The talented young left-arm spinner impressed in the recent Afghanistan match, his fifth T20I, where he bowled four overs and took the key wicket of Ibrahim Zadran. Sri Lanka ultimately won that game by six wickets, largely thanks to Kusal Mendis’ stellar unbeaten 74.
The news of Suranga Wellalage’s passing resonated throughout the cricket world, prompting an outpouring of support. Former captain Lasith Malinga expressed his sorrow on X (formerly Twitter), writing, “Deeply saddened by the passing of Mr. Suranga Wellalage, father of Dunith Wellalage. My heartfelt condolences to the family. Stay strong Dunith, the whole nation stands with you and your family in this difficult time.”
Afghanistan veteran Mohammad Nabi also shared his condolences, stating, “Heartfelt condolences to Dunith Wellalage and his family on the loss of his beloved father. Stay strong brother.”
Sri Lanka’s head coach, Sanath Jayasuriya, who had the difficult task of informing Wellalage of the tragedy after the Afghanistan match, also offered a poignant tribute on Facebook. He wrote, “Dunith, your father was a cricketer himself, and he can be truly proud of the son he raised. His values, his love for the game, and his spirit live on through you,” and affirmed his continued support for the young player.
Sri Lanka is scheduled to play Bangladesh on Saturday, followed by crucial Super Four matches against Pakistan on September 23 and India on September 26. Wellalage’s reintegration into the squad is a significant and welcome development for the team, especially after initial uncertainties surrounding his participation following his father’s death.