Kumar Sangakkara: News

One of the greatest wicket-keeper-batsmen of all time, former Sri Lankan cricketer Kumar Sangakkara mixed the typical left-handers' charm with the elegance of a right-hander. Sangakkara shattered various records and wrote new ones in the 15 years he played for Sri Lanka. He made his international debut in an ODI against Pakistan in 2000 when he was only 22 years old. The same year, his Test debut against South Africa came shortly after that. Though he is not a textbook wicketkeeper, Sangakkara's talent as a batsman made his early woes behind the stumps unnoticeable. He began his career with a bang by being adjudged player of the match in his second ODI. Along with his close friend and batting partner Mahela Jayawardene, Sangakkara was part of the highest first-class partnership for Sinhalese Cricket Club against a touring South African side in 2006. Sangakkara grew from strengths to strengths throughout his career. With over 14,000 runs in ODIs and 12,000 runs in Tests, his name is etched in the history of cricket. He is only behind Don Bradman when it comes to double-centuries in Tests. He captained the Sri Lankan team from 2009 to 2011. Sangakkara retired from international cricket in 2015.