Participating in a television programme, Dilshan said he was requested by Sri Lanka Cricket selection committee to give an opportunity for a youngster at the upcoming tri-series in Zimbabwe.

He said he was always ready to give a chance to a newcomer, but that he would have to go without any cricket for six months.

That would have been the SLC’s plan, but that was unfair by me, said Dilshan.

He went onto say that it was during Sanath Jayasuriya’s captaincy that he first joined the national team, but that he was not there for his final game.

He added that during the period when he led the team, he had not dropped seniors, but also gave opportunities to youngsters.