Sporting icons : Kumar Sangakarra - Sri Lankan all time great batting legend , career HLs & videos

 

Kumar Chokshanada Sangakkara, born on October 27, 1977, in Matale, Sri Lanka, is a former Sri Lankan cricketer, renowned for his stylish left-handed batting and excellence as a wicketkeeper. Over his career, Sangakkara became one of the most prolific batsmen in the history of cricket and an influential leader for Sri Lankan cricket. Known for his elegance, technical prowess, and resilience, Sangakkara's legacy is defined by his achievements on the field and his impact on the game globally.

Style of Play

Sangakkara was known for his classical batting technique, graceful strokeplay, and ability to adapt across formats. He was particularly strong on the off-side and had a near-perfect cover drive, which became his signature shot. As a wicketkeeper-batsman, Sangakkara demonstrated remarkable athleticism and sharp reflexes, combining efficient glovework with brilliant batting, a rarity in modern cricket.

Records and Statistics

Test Matches:

Matches: 134

Runs: 12,400

Average: 57.40

Hundreds: 38

Best: 319

ODIs:

Matches: 404

Runs: 14,234

Average: 41.98

Hundreds: 25

Best: 169

T20Is:

Matches: 56

Runs: 1,382

Average: 31.40

Best: 78

First-Class:

Matches: 260

Runs: 19,453

Average: 50.39

First-Class Career

Sangakkara's first-class career spanned nearly two decades, featuring domestic stints in Sri Lanka and several leagues abroad. Known for his consistency and hunger for runs, he maintained an impressive average over his first-class career, underscoring his class and discipline.

IPL Career

In the Indian Premier League (IPL), Sangakkara represented franchises such as Kings XI Punjab, Deccan Chargers, and Sunrisers Hyderabad. He was also appointed captain in the IPL, where his leadership and batting skills provided vital experience, though he didn’t achieve significant title success in the tournament.

Wicketkeeping Records

Test Matches

Catches: 131

Stumpings: 20

Total Dismissals: 151

Sangakkara played as a wicketkeeper for much of his Test career but eventually focused on his batting, which allowed him to become even more prolific with the bat.

One-Day Internationals (ODIs)

Catches: 402

Stumpings: 99

Total Dismissals: 501

Sangakkara’s 501 dismissals in ODIs rank among the highest in the format, reflecting his consistent glovework and agility behind the stumps.

T20 Internationals (T20Is)

Catches: 25

Stumpings: 20

Total Dismissals: 45

Sangakkara was also effective in T20Is, with 45 dismissals, a remarkable feat in the fast-paced format where wicketkeeping demands sharp reflexes.

These wicketkeeping records solidify Sangakkara's legacy as one of cricket’s finest wicketkeeper-batsmen, combining agility and reliability behind the stumps with his batting excellence.

Career Highlights

Debut: Sangakkara made his Test debut in 2000 against South Africa and his ODI debut the same year against Pakistan. His early performances highlighted his skill as a dependable wicketkeeper-batsman, making him a regular feature in the team.

Record-Breaking Double Centuries: Sangakkara’s ability to convert starts into big scores saw him notch up 11 double centuries in Test cricket, second only to Sir Don Bradman. His 319 against Bangladesh in 2014 was one of his most memorable innings, showcasing his concentration and stamina.

2014 T20 World Cup: Sangakkara played a pivotal role in Sri Lanka's victory in the 2014 ICC T20 World Cup. In the final against India, he scored an unbeaten 52 off 35 balls, leading his team to their first T20 World Cup title.

Historic ODI Performances: In the 2015 ICC World Cup, Sangakkara became the first player to score four consecutive centuries in ODI cricket, a testament to his incredible form and adaptability.

Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) Presidency: Post-retirement, Sangakkara was elected as the first non-British President of the MCC in 2019, reflecting his stature and respect in the cricketing world.

Some Great Batting Innings

319 vs. Bangladesh (2014): A record-breaking triple century in Chattogram, where he dominated with precise strokeplay, cementing his reputation as a Test giant.

192 vs. Australia, Hobart (2007): This valiant innings nearly secured a historic win for Sri Lanka but ended in heartbreak as he was dismissed in the 190s, highlighting his technical brilliance against top-quality bowling.

169 vs. South Africa, Colombo (2013): In his home ground, Sangakkara dismantled the South African attack, a standout performance that demonstrated his prowess in limited-overs cricket.

52 vs. India, 2014 T20 World Cup Final*: His match-winning knock guided Sri Lanka to their first T20 World Cup title and underscored his ability to deliver under pressure.

Captaincy

Sangakkara captained Sri Lanka in all three formats between 2009 and 2011. Though his captaincy stint didn’t yield World Cup titles, he led Sri Lanka to the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup final, showcasing strategic depth and tactical knowledge. As a captain, he was known for his composure and sportsmanship, inspiring teammates with his commitment.

Legacy

Kumar Sangakkara retired as one of the most revered players in the sport. His accomplishments in both Test and ODI cricket place him among the all-time greats, while his grace and gentlemanly conduct have won him admiration worldwide. Sangakkara's influence extended beyond cricket, promoting Sri Lanka internationally and later serving in influential roles like the MCC presidency. Widely regarded as one of cricket’s greatest wicketkeeper-batsmen, his legacy is a blend of skill, leadership, and sportsmanship, ensuring his place among the game's most celebrated icons.

Below watch Sangakarra scoring a fabulous  192 vs Australia  at Hobart 2007 . An innings full of brilliance .