By: Drcricket7 Staff
A total of 12350 runs in 133 Tests at an average of 57.71 are enough to tell the kind of batsman Kumar Sangakkara has been for Sri Lanka in the past 20 years or so.
Kumar Sangakkara has been Sri Lanka’s batting mainstay, and the former skipper has also inspired the Islanders to a number of wins, while also making them a force to reckon with at home.
The 2nd Test against India in the ongoing three-match series would be his final game for Sri Lanka, bringing down curtains on a stellar career.
While known to be one of the gentlemen in the game, and played with utmost honour and integrity, Kumar Sangakkara has been an inspiration figure, not only in the Sri Lanka dressing room, but to other players as well.
“I am sure if a guy who is retiring from the game, I cannot connect to it but I can imagine the kind of emotions he might feel because this is something that he has probably done for the last 20 years day in and day out of everyday life,” Virat Kohli said.
“And, not to do that anymore would be a big shock for anyone. He has been a wonderful player for Sri Lanka. A lot of left-handers really look up to him for the way he plays. His technique and the way he has scored runs all over the world, his numbers speak for themselves.”
“He is a wonderful human being. He is a lovely person. I have had quite a few chats with him on the field & away from the field as well. I am actually glad that he is going to be playing his last few games against us because it is a special occasion for us to be a part of.”
India skipper Virat Kohli, meanwhile, also pointed out that he is honoured to play in the farewell Test of Kumar Sangakkara.
“Such a legend of the game retiring, as a young side it will be an honour for us to give him that respect in his last few Tests,” Virat Kohli said.
“Hopefully he doesn’t score too many runs against us but I really wish him all the luck with his life after cricket,” Virat Kohli concluded. “It has been wonderful to know such a great player and a great man.”
