Sangakkara, Clarke and their ‘now all yours moment’

A proverb goes, “Behind every successful man, there’s a woman”. Both, Kumar Sangakkara and Michael Clarke, are successful men, who have not only been great cricketers but also excellent statesmen.

A proverb goes, “Behind every successful man, there’s a woman”. Both, Kumar Sangakkara and Michael Clarke, are successful men, who have not only been great cricketers but also excellent statesmen. Their wives have played a big role in these men’s success. The sacrificing of little things plays a big role in the overall picture. [Also Read: Video: Shane Warne celebrates “best friend” Michael Clarke’s career]

Like Sachin Tendulkar put it during his retirement, “When we decided to have a family, Anjali took the initiative to step back and say that ‘you continue with your cricket and I will take the responsibility of the family’. Without that, I don’t think I would have been able to play cricket freely and without stress.” [Also Read: Video: Wife Kyly pays tribute to Michael Clarke’s glorious career]

Better halves of these great sportsmen have lent an unmatched support.

Cricketer’s families and WAGs are often seen whey these great men bid adieu to the game. Sangakkara and Clarke have bid farewell to international cricket. During their final speech at the presentation ceremony, their better halves were seen lending support as they drew curtains to their illustrious cricketing career. [Also Read: Kumar Sangakkara: The most prolific batsman in 21st century]

The image on the left is where Sangakkara’s wife Yehali kissing him at the presentation ceremony after India demolished Sri Lanka in the second Test at Colombo today. On Sangakkara’s retirement, his wife Yehali in an interview with Sony Six had said, “We never discussed cricket at home and always made sure there was life away from the sport at home.” [Also Read: Poll: Is Kumar Sangakkara the most impactful Sri Lankan cricketer?]

She further added, “Conversations revolved around kids and made sure there was life beyond the sport.”

“Kumar is a very relaxed, open sort of person. He has never demanded much. (But) He will have to get used to our routine now. He will of course still play some cricket for a year or two.”

The image on the right is from The Oval where Clarke is seen sharing an intimate moment with his wife Kyly after Australia defeated Englandon Sunday. Clarke, who is expected to be a father soon, ended on a winning note despite losing the Ashes Urn to England. [Also Read: Kumar Sangakkara gets emotional during his retirement speech]

Kyly expressed her pride by posting a picture on Instagram and wrote, “We love you Bubba. Retired on the 23rd of August. #23 #389#408”

In an earlier post on Instagram, she expressed her love for her husband, “It’s been written in the history books that my Darling husband@michaelclarkeofficial has been one of the worlds best batsman and one of Australia’s best Captains of Cricket & we couldn’t agree more. You will always be our champion & Bubby and I are so very proud of everything you have achieved. What a wonderful career! It has been an honour & a privilege to witness some of the greatest sporting moments while on this journey with you. We love you more than ever #legacy. (sic)”  [Also Read: Video: A musical tribute to Kumar Sangakkara]

From now on, both these legends will be spending more time with their better halves, something that is long due. The time never stops and all great things end; but moments live forever.