Kumar Sangakkara was born on October 27, 1977, in Matale, Sri Lanka. His father, Swarnakumara Sangakkara, was an attorney who instilled a love for cricket in his son from a young age. Sangakkara attended Trinity College, Kandy, where he excelled in cricket and received the school's highest sports award, the Trinity Lion.
After making a name for himself at Trinity College, Sangakkara went on to make his Test and One Day International (ODI) debuts for Sri Lanka in 2000. He quickly established himself as a formidable force on the cricket field, showcasing his talent as a wicket-keeper and batsman.
Throughout his career, Sangakkara set numerous records and milestones. He retired as Sri Lanka's most prolific Test batsman, holding records for most runs, highest average, most half-centuries, centuries, and double centuries. He was also the fastest batsman to reach 8,000, 9,000, 11,000, and 12,000 runs in Test cricket and shared the record for the fastest to 10,000 runs with some of the greatest players in the sport.
Aside from his Test achievements, Sangakkara also made a mark in ODI cricket. He retired with 14,234 ODI runs, the second-highest total in history behind the legendary Sachin Tendulkar. His consistency and skill with the bat made him a feared opponent on the field.
In 2003, Sangakkara married Yehali Sangakkara, and the couple has two children, Kavith and Swyree. Despite his busy cricketing career, Sangakkara always made time for his family and credits them for being his support system throughout his journey.
Known for his eloquence and intelligence, Sangakkara was not just a cricketing talent but also a thoughtful individual off the field. He was vocal about issues in the sport and was a strong advocate for fair play and sportsmanship.
Sangakkara was also known for his support of sledging, a controversial practice in cricket where players engage in verbal banter to distract and intimidate their opponents. He believed in using psychological tactics to gain an edge on the field.
Throughout his career, Sangakkara earned numerous accolades and awards, including the Wisden Leading Cricketer in the World honor in 2011 and 2015. He became only the second player, after Virender Sehwag, to receive the prestigious award twice, solidifying his status as one of the greats of the game.
Even after his retirement, Sangakkara remains involved in cricket as a commentator and administrator, continuing to contribute to the sport he loves.
Kumar Sangakkara's impact on cricket goes beyond his statistics on the field. He was a true ambassador for the sport, embodying the values of hard work, determination, and integrity. His legacy will be remembered for generations to come.
Related links