Kumar Sangakkara : 7 amazing facts

Kumar Sangakkara,who is an epitome of technique and temperament in batting turns 38 this coming Tuesday. Clearly it is a day celebrating not only a legend but the ideals of batsmanship he stood for – Class, elegance and consistency.

Sangakkara redefined the art of batting and not to forget, also served his team as much more than an average wicket keeper. A true ambassador of the game, Sangakkara has provided his fans with countless memories that they can cherish for life.

Sangakkara is adored not only in Sri Lanka, but is widely respected and recognised across the world as one of the finest batsmen to have ever played. Here’s a piece dedicated to Sanga and all that he has earned in his 15 year long career.

1. Illustrious Career – Consistent, Versatile

With a staggering average of 57 and 12000 runs in tests, Sangakkara has scored a century every 2.8 innings after leaving gloves – a difficult feat even in the modern era. In addition, he averages more than 43 against every test playing nation which is again unbelievably brilliant. His ODI stats (14000 runs in 404 innings) also show his versatility as a batsman.

2. Batting Records Galore!

As a batsman Sangakkara holds many records which are yet to be broken. These are as follows –

1. After Jayawardene, he is only the second Sri Lankan to reach 10,000 test runs and the joint fastest to do so.
2. Sangakkara holds the record for fastest batsman to reach 8,000, 9,000 and 11,000 runs in tests.
3. He and Jayawardene were involved in the highest partnership ever recorded in tests (624 runs), in which Sangakkara contributed a massive 285 runs.
4. He is first batsman to score 4 centuries on the trot and as a specialist batsman, only the legendary Sir Don Bradman has a higher average than him.

3. Internationally Acclaimed

Sangakkara is not only a star in his home country, but is worldwide celebrity. And it isn’t without a reason. He averages 61 at home and 54 in away conditions. He also doesn’t have an average of less than 43 against any foreign team which is quite a commendable feat in itself.

4. Extraordinary Keeper

Besides being a remarkable batsman, Sangakkara has also been a more than a useful keeper to his team. He has 502 dismissals to his name, a touch more than Adam Gilchrist’s 472. He also holds the record for most number of ODI stumpings (99).

5. Other sports

Kumar Sangakkara also excelled in sports other than cricket. He takes interest in golf and tennis. He also represented his school in tennis in the Under-17 level and could have very well chosen it as a career. But he chose cricket – his first passion.

6. Early Bird

Sangakkara began his training from the very early age of 7 along with fellow legend Muttiah Muralitharan, under the guidance of Sunil Fernando. This validates his eagerness and hunger to play and strive.

7. Sangakkara outside cricket – Hobbies

Kumar Sangakkara also enjoys a host of other hobbies apart from sports. He occasionally plays the violin and was a chorister. He is an ardent reader with his favorite author being Oscar Wilde.