Kumar Sangakkara Profile: Sri Lanka’s Elegant Wicketkeeper-Batter
Profile of Kumar Sangakkara, the Sri Lankan left-hander and wicketkeeper who scored more than 12,000 Test runs and 14,000 ODI runs before retiring in 2015.
Kumar Sangakkara is regarded as one of the finest batters Sri Lanka has produced and among the best wicketkeeper-batters in the history of the game. A fluent left-hander who combined classical technique with great concentration, he retired from international cricket in 2015 with more than 12,000 runs in Tests and more than 14,000 in one-day internationals.
Early life and rise
Born in Matale in 1977 and educated in Kandy, Sangakkara was a gifted all-round sportsman in his school years. He made his Test debut against South Africa in Galle in 2000, initially taking the gloves as well as batting in the middle order. He later moved up the order and became a top-three batter while continuing to keep wicket for long periods.
Playing style
Sangakkara’s trademark was the cover drive, played with a balanced, unhurried stroke. He was strong off both front and back foot, rarely appeared rushed and had the patience to bat for very long periods. Behind the stumps, he was a competent, tidy keeper, and in his later years he gave up the gloves in Tests to focus on batting.
Career highlights
He finished with 38 Test centuries and a Test average above 57, with 11 double-hundreds among them. His highest score was 319 against Bangladesh in Chittagong in 2014. In 2006, he shared a stand of 624 with Mahela Jayawardene against South Africa in Colombo, a world record for any wicket in Test cricket, with Sangakkara contributing 287.
At the 2015 World Cup he made four consecutive one-day hundreds, a record in the tournament. He was a member of Sri Lankan sides that reached World Cup finals in 2007 and 2011 and was part of the team that won the 2014 T20 World Cup.
Beyond the pitch
Sangakkara is also well known for his eloquence. His 2011 MCC Spirit of Cricket Cowdrey Lecture was widely praised, and he later served as president of the Marylebone Cricket Club. He also played for Surrey in county cricket and in the Indian Premier League.
Legacy
Sangakkara’s legacy is that of a complete batter who was also a thoughtful ambassador for the game. Statistics are quoted as of his retirement in 2015.
Frequently asked questions
What was Kumar Sangakkara’s highest Test score?
His highest Test score was 319 against Bangladesh in Chittagong in 2014.
What partnership record did Sangakkara share?
He and Mahela Jayawardene put on 624 against South Africa in Colombo in 2006, a world record for any wicket in Tests.
When did Kumar Sangakkara retire?
He retired from international cricket in 2015, having made his debut in 2000.