Kumar Sangakkara is one of the most revered cricketers in modern history, often mentioned alongside legends like Sachin Tendulkar and Brian Lara for his contributions to the game. Known for his elegant batting style and exceptional wicket-keeping skills, Sangakkara’s career is a testament to his dedication, skill, and sportsmanship. His impact on the game transcends his impressive statistics, making him a beloved figure in the cricketing world.
Early Life and Background
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Kumar Chokshanada Sangakkara |
| Date of Birth | 27 October 1977 |
| Place of Birth | Matale, Sri Lanka |
| Nationality | Sri Lankan |
| Role | Wicket-keeper, Batsman |
| Batting Style | Left-hand bat |
| Bowling Style | Right-arm |
| Height | 1.78 m (5′ 10″) |
| Father’s Name | Chokshanada Sangakkara |
| Mother’s Name | Kumari Sangakkara |
| Spouse | Yehali Sangakkara |
| Children | None |
| Siblings | Vemindra Sangakkara, Thushari Sangakkara, Saranga Sangakkara |
| Test Debut | 20 July 2000 vs South Africa |
| ODI Debut | 5 July 2000 vs Pakistan |
| T20I Debut | 15 June 2006 vs England |
| @KumarSangakkara | |
| @kumar.sangakkara |
Sangakkara’s journey to cricketing greatness began in his early years. Born in Matale, Sri Lanka, he was a multi-talented individual from a young age. His prowess extended beyond cricket; he was also skilled in badminton, tennis, and music. As a chorister and a violin player, he showcased a versatility that would later define his approach to cricket. His achievements during school years, including being the head boy and earning accolades like ‘The Trinity Lion’ and ‘Ryde Gold Medal,’ highlighted his leadership qualities and disciplined nature.
Cricketing Debut
Kumar Sangakkara’s entry into international cricket was marked by a mixture of anticipation and promise. He made his One Day International (ODI) debut on 5 July 2000 against Pakistan. His performance in the Singer Triangular Series, particularly his crucial knock of 85 runs against South Africa, earned him his first Man of the Match award. This early success was a precursor to a stellar career.
Sangakkara made his Test debut during the same series against South Africa. His initial Test innings were a glimpse into the potential he held, and he scored his maiden Test century in his tenth Test match. This century was particularly significant as he had been dismissed in the 90s on two previous occasions, demonstrating his ability to overcome adversity and perform under pressure.
Rise to Prominence
Kumar Sangakkara’s career was characterized by consistent performances and remarkable records. His evolution from a sheet-anchor role to an aggressive, stylish batsman was a testament to his adaptability and skill. Sangakkara’s batting technique was a blend of classical elegance and modern adaptability. He was known for his proficiency in both front-foot and back-foot play. His cover drives were often compared to the best in the business, and his ability to play straight drives akin to Sachin Tendulkar’s was a notable aspect of his batting.
Key Achievements:
- First Double-Century: Sangakkara scored his first double-century against Pakistan in 2002 during the Asian Test Championship final. This innings was instrumental in securing the Test championship for Sri Lanka.
- Double Centuries Record: By the end of his career, Sangakkara had scored 11 double centuries in Tests, one short of Don Bradman’s record of 12. This was a remarkable achievement, highlighting his consistency and proficiency in Test cricket.
Records and Milestones
Sangakkara’s career was filled with numerous records and milestones that cemented his status as one of cricket’s greats:
- Test Runs: He amassed 12,400 runs in 134 Test matches, making him one of the top run-scorers in Test history.
- ODI Runs: In One Day Internationals, he scored 14,235 runs in 404 matches, securing the second spot in all-time ODI run-scorers.
- Partnership Records: Sangakkara, alongside Mahela Jayawardene, set the record for the highest partnership for any wicket in Test cricket, scoring 624 runs for the 3rd wicket against South Africa in 2006. This partnership remains the largest for any wicket in first-class cricket globally.
- Personal Best: His remarkable innings of 319 runs against Bangladesh in 2014 remains his highest score in Test cricket. He accumulated 2,868 runs across all formats in 2014, the most by any player in a calendar year.
Captaincy
In 2009, Kumar Sangakkara succeeded Mahela Jayawardene as Sri Lanka’s captain in all formats of the game. His leadership was marked by a series of notable successes:
- Tri-Series Wins: Under his captaincy, Sri Lanka won the tri-series in Bangladesh and defeated India, showcasing his leadership and tactical acumen.
- 2011 World Cup Final: Sangakkara led Sri Lanka to the final of the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup. Although they lost to India in the final, his leadership throughout the tournament was widely praised.
- Captaincy Record: During his tenure, Sangakkara captained Sri Lanka in 81 international matches, winning 44 and drawing 11. His tenure as captain was marked by a blend of strategic insight and tactical flexibility.
Low Points
Despite his illustrious career, Sangakkara’s journey was not without challenges. Sri Lanka’s performance during some series under his captaincy did not meet expectations:
- 2009 ICC Champions Trophy: Sri Lanka failed to advance to the knock-out stages of the ICC Champions Trophy, a disappointment in an otherwise successful period.
- Indian Tour: The subsequent Indian tour was a setback, with Sri Lanka losing both the Test series 2-0 and the ODI series 3-1. These losses highlighted the competitive nature of international cricket and the challenges of leading a national team.
Club Career
Sangakkara’s influence extended beyond international cricket into domestic and T20 leagues. His leadership qualities and technical prowess made him a sought-after player:
- Indian Premier League (IPL): Sangakkara was signed by Kings XI Punjab in 2008 for US$700,000 and later by Deccan Chargers in 2011 for US$300,000. His performances in the IPL were marked by consistency and valuable contributions.
- Sri Lanka Premier League (SLPL): Sangakkara was appointed captain and icon player of the Kandurata Warriors in the 2012 SLPL. Although he had to withdraw due to injury, his leadership was highly regarded.
- Pakistan Super League (PSL): In 2017, Sangakkara led Karachi Kings to the play-offs, demonstrating his leadership and playing abilities in the PSL.
Retirement
Kumar Sangakkara announced his retirement from ODIs after the 2015 World Cup. His performance in the tournament was exceptional, as he became the first batsman to score four centuries in a single World Cup. His final ODI match was against India in the quarter-finals. He continued to play Test cricket until the series against India later in 2015, where he was given a guard of honor by Indian cricketers during his final Test match at Colombo (PSS).
Personal Life and Net Worth
Net Worth (2024): Estimated around USD 30 million
Wife: Yehali Sangakkara
Sangakkara’s personal life is marked by his family and philanthropic efforts. He is married to Yehali Sangakkara, and the couple has been actively involved in various charitable activities. Sangakkara’s net worth reflects his successful career and various endorsements.
Legacy
Kumar Sangakkara’s legacy is one of excellence, versatility, and leadership. In the pantheon of cricketing greats, he stands out for his contributions as both a wicket-keeper and a batsman. His records, including his impressive tally of runs and centuries, speak volumes about his skill and consistency. Sangakkara’s influence on Sri Lankan cricket, coupled with his role as a mentor and leader, ensures his place among the all-time greats of the sport.
In the holy quartet of Sri Lankan cricket, if Arjuna Ranatunga was the creator and Sanath Jayasuriya the destroyer, then Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene are remembered as the protectors, upholding the legacy and glory of Sri Lankan cricket through their exceptional careers.
