Kumar Sangakkara

Kumar Sangakkara Biography

In several dimensions, each of them prominent and some exclusive, Kumar Sangakkara is special.

He is the Sri Lankan batsman who is unquestionably world class, be it his majestic numbers or his exquisite cover-drives. He was also a wicketkeeper for a fair period, good enough to handle the vagaries dished out on Sri Lankan snake pits by Muttiah Muralitharan. Finally, he is perhaps the only leading cricketer to profess a fancy for Oscar Wilde.

At home against the best of bowling, he is equally at ease when addressing the entire cricket world —delivering the MCC Spirit of Cricket Cowdrey Lecture at the age of just 33. He can write his speeches better than most of the hacks in business. He takes on the greatest of bowlers and also challenges the quagmires of Sri Lanka’s political establishment and cricket administration. He is a voice of the nation, bearing hopes, dreams and promises of the future after years of turmoil, terrorism and civil wars.

He amasses runs — lots of them. With eight double centuries, Sangakkara is behind Don Bradman’s 12 and Brian Lara’s nine in the all-time tally. He is also the classiest ever to emerge from the island, a synthesis of style, pedigree and panache.

His batting was too priceless to squander for the extra value he brought in as a stumper — hence he had to give up the role in Tests. Indeed, as a specialist batsman he averages close to 70. In the One-Day game, he has performed both the jobs with success — although not as prolific as in the longer format.

He was a rather reluctant captain — the selectors initially preferring the more down to earth diplomacy of Mahela Jayawardene. Sangakkara accepted his buddy’s leadership, becoming a loyal advisor. Their friendship and contribution to Sri Lanka’s cause were sealed when they added 624 against South Africa at Colombo.

Sangakkara did become skipper in 2009. He led in 15 Tests — winning five, losing three. He also led Sri Lanka to the finals of the World T20I in 2009 and the World Cup in India in 2011. Later, as the best batsman of the side, he guided them to the ICC World T20I crown in 2014.

Arunabha Sengupta

Kumar Sangakkara Batting & Fielding Averages

Career	M	In	R	NO	HS	Avg	BF	SR	100s	50s	4s	6s	Ct	St
Test	134	233	12400	17	319	57.40	22881	54.19	38	52	1492	51	182	20
ODIs	405	380	14234	41	169	41.98	18048	78.86	25	93	1385	88	403	98
T20s	56	53	1382	9	78	31.40	1156	119.5	0	8	139	20	25	20
World Cup	37	35	1532	8	124	56.74	1770	86.55	5	7	147	14	41	13

Kumar Sangakkara Bowling Averages

Career	M	B	R	W	Avg	EC	SR	5WI	10WM	BBI	BBM
Test	134	84	49	0	--	3.500	--	0	0	0/4	0/4
ODIs	405	--	--	--	--	--	--	--	--
T20s	56	--	--	--	--	--	--	--	--
World Cup	37	--	--	--	--	--	--	--	--		--

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