Under a sunny Colombo sky on Monday, it was the Indian cricket team that won the second Test but it was Kumar Sangakkara who walked away as the winner of the game called life. A gentleman of international cricket for over 15 years, the iconic Sri Lankan player called time on his illustrious career – one he built as much with his cricket as with his kind words and genial nature.
It is extremely rare for Sri Lankans to cheer after Sri Lanka’s defeat on the cricket field. And yet, there were thousand all around P Sara Oval who stood up in unison after their side’s 278-run defeat to Virat Kohli’s India.
It was Kohli’s first Test win as captain but – much more importantly – was Sangakkara’s final hurrah. Ever the gracious man, Kumar, as he is fondly called, was the first to walk out to congratulate the Indians for their win before making way to a special ceremony for him.
While the ceremony had several dignitaries and former cricketers – including Arjuna Ranatunga and Sunil Gavaskar — who hailed the 38-year-old cricketer, it was Sangakkara’s words that truly touched a chord with fans all around.
“I have often been asked what I feel is my most outstanding achievement. Today, I would like to say that to go back home and see my family’s unconditional love has been my biggest achievement,” said a visibly emotional Sangakkara.
“I am sorry but I am usually not this emotional but it’s very rare that my parents and my extended family come together to watch me play. It has been amazing.”
Sangakkara reserved his biggest word of thanks for his parents and he wholeheartedly thanked them for making him the man he is.
“I never had to look too far for inspiration as it was always there at home. They say you can choose your friends but not your family. I am so glad that I was born into yours,” Sangakkara said looking towards his parents, who were clearly fighting hard not to be overcome by their emotions. Wife Yehali was by their side – wearing what looked like a moist pair of dark sunglasses!
Born in Matale and brought up in Kandy, Sangakkara hardly forgot people who mentored him in his early years.
“I did my schooling in Kandy and it was where I truly got my grounding and my foundation. I also had several coaches and each one of them was absolutely fantastic,” said Sangakkara as he went on to thank several other people for helping and guiding him through the course of his life so far.
Interestingly, Sangakkara, unlike a Sachin Tendulkar, did not have any prepared note in his hand and his speech of a couple of minutes was completely impromptu. It was however, crisp and elegant – much like his batting and conduct.
A true sportsman at heart, the cricketer with 68 international centuries also thanked the opposition for a tough game of cricket. “I would like to thank Virat and his team for all the kind words. More though, I would like to thank them for a tough fight in this Test. I couldn’t have asked for more as losses don’t matter, good cricket does,” he said.
Indeed, runs and wickets are not the only thing to sporting greatness – words and thoughts are right up there as well. And Sangakkara will always be a huge ambassador for all that’s good in the sport – for years and years to come.