Published: Aug 25, 2015, 05:48 PM (IST)
Edited: Aug 25, 2015, 05:48 PM (IST)
When you end up with over 26000 international runs, out of which 12400 in Test cricket, you look back at the achievement with a smile. Sangakkara, truly will be remembered as one of the greatest batsmen to ever play the game but his “harshest critic”, first coach and father Kshema Sangakkara, feels his son has underachieved. [Also Read: Kumar Sangakkara: The most prolific batsman in 21st century]
In a column for Indian Express, Kshema wrote, “Everybody speaks about his average being in the same league of Graeme Pollock and Garry Sobers, but Kumar could have done better. He too often let bowlers dismiss him rather than them having to get him out.”
Hailing Don Bradman as the ultimate batsman, Kshema went on to write that Mahela Jayawardene had a much better technique. Though he feels that his son didn’t “achieve his true potential”, he felt Sangakkara’s grit and temperament helped him score more runs. He wrote, “According to me Mahela Jayawardene had a much better technique, and a much tighter defence. Kumar’s temperament and grit is what ensured he scored more runs and averaged more than Mahela. But I still believe the likes of Mahela, Marvan (Atapattu) and Aravinda de Silva were more in control of their game in the middle.” [Also Read: Kumar Sangakkara gets emotional during his retirement speech]
Not calling him a natural talent, the senior Sangakkara admitted that his son had “very skilful hands” and also excelled in tennis. He added, “You have to last till the 12th round to win the battle. And I ensured that Kumar grew up watching a lot of Bradman and Gavaskar, and reading about them too. I wouldn’t call Kumar a natural talent. He has always had very skilful hands. Not many know this, but he was a very good tennis player. Tennis was his first sport.” [Also Read: Video: Gavaskar welcomes Sangakkara to the elite club of ‘former cricketers’]
For a top-notch sportsman, retirement is a tough pill to digest. Not just for him but also his family. However Kshema didn’t feel any sorry when his son spoke to him about the decision. About Sangakkara’s retirement, Kshema wrote, “There wasn’t much sorrow or anguish when he informed me about his decision to retire. We both agreed that his time was up, and that there was no point hanging around for much longer.”
About Sangakkara’s life after cricket, an unsure Kshema added that golf might be the way ahead.
“I am not sure what Kumar has planned for his future. I don’t see him taking up law seriously at this stage. I wouldn’t advice it. He’s 37 now. By the time he finishes his law studies, it will be another five years and by the time he establishes himself he will be well over 50. There’s no point then.”
“I do have a new challenge for him, and I hope he accepts it. I want him to take up golf very seriously. It’s a sport where his touch and skilful hands will hold him in good stead. He’s been a professional sportsman for two decades now. That competitive spirit will never die. Golf will provide him that opportunity and at the same time it’s a sport that he can pursue for another 30 years. Age doesn’t really matter as we have seen. And I can assure you this: I will not be half as nervous watching him on a golf course,” Kshema added. [Also Read: Poll: Is Kumar Sangakkara the most impactful Sri Lankan cricketer?]
At Sangakkara’s farewell speech, he spoke about his family, as he got emotional.
He said, “I didn’t have to look far for inspiration. My parents are here. I didn’t have to look far. I had amazing siblings. I am blessed with a wonderful family. I was blessed to be born as your children.”
The senior Sangakkara, perhaps was right mentor and taskmaster that a young Kumar needed early on to get to where he eventually did.
