Kumar Sangakkara – Profile:
| Name | Kumar Sangakkara |
|---|---|
| Player Type | Left-handed batsman, Wicket-keeper |
| Date of Birth | October 27, 1977 |
| Father’s Name | Kshema Sangakkara |
| Birthplace | Matale, Sri Lanka |
| Career Start | July 20, 2000 |
| Retirement Date | August 24, 2015 |
| Matches Played | 134 (ODIs), 134 (Tests), 56 (T20Is) |
| Centuries | 25 (ODIs), 38 (Tests), 1 (T20Is) |
| Half Centuries | 93 (ODIs), 52 (Tests), 13 (T20Is) |
| Ducks | 14 (ODIs), 11 (Tests), 6 (T20Is) |
| Nervous Nineties | 7 (ODIs), 5 (Tests), 2 (T20Is) |
| Wickets | 0 (ODIs), 0 (Tests), 0 (T20Is) |
| Captainship | 45 (ODIs), 15 (Tests), 22 (T20Is) |
| Man of the Matches | 12 (ODIs), 5 (Tests), 3 (T20Is) |
Biography:
Kumar Sangakkara, born on October 27, 1977, in Matale, Sri Lanka, is a legendary left-handed batsman and wicket-keeper. His cricket journey began on July 20, 2000, and he gracefully retired from all formats of the game on August 24, 2015. With 134 One-Day Internationals (ODIs), 134 Test matches, and 56 T20 Internationals (T20Is) under his belt, he etched his name as one of Sri Lanka’s finest cricketers.
Throughout his illustrious career, Kumar Sangakkara displayed remarkable consistency and elegance with the bat. He scored 25 centuries and 93 half-centuries in ODIs, 38 centuries and 52 half-centuries in Test matches, and one century and 13 half-centuries in T20Is. Though he encountered the infamous “Nervous Nineties” on several occasions, he still managed to convert many of them into three-figure scores.
While his batting prowess was unmatched, Kumar Sangakkara’s skill with the gloves as a wicket-keeper was also commendable. He held records for the most dismissals in ODIs and Test cricket during his time.
Additionally, Sangakkara was entrusted with leadership responsibilities in different formats. He captained the Sri Lankan team in 45 ODIs, 15 Test matches, and 22 T20Is, leaving an indelible mark as a leader.
The cricketing world recognized Sangakkara’s contributions, and he received numerous Man of the Match awards across the formats. His performances in critical situations and his ability to anchor innings made him a valuable asset to the Sri Lankan team.
World Records:
Below are some of the notable world records held by Kumar Sangakkara in each format:
One-Day Internationals (ODIs):
| Record | Number |
|---|---|
| Most consecutive ODI centuries | 4 |
| Most runs in a calendar year (ODIs) | 1,493 |
| Most dismissals as a wicket-keeper (ODIs) | 482 |
Test Matches:
| Record | Number |
|---|---|
| Most consecutive Test centuries | 4 |
| Most double centuries as a Test captain | 11 |
| Most run in a single Test series | 1,444 |
T20 Internationals (T20Is):
| Record | Number |
|---|---|
| Most runs in T20 World Cups | 1,345 |
| Most dismissals as a wicket-keeper (T20Is) | 133 |
Brand Endorsements:
Kumar Sangakkara’s stature as a cricketing icon also earned him numerous brand endorsements. His charisma, personality, and popularity made him a sought-after ambassador for various products and services. His endorsements ranged from sports brands to lifestyle products, and he was a familiar face in advertising campaigns across Sri Lanka and internationally.
Overall, Kumar Sangakkara’s contribution to cricket, both on and off the field, has left an indelible legacy, inspiring generations of cricketers in Sri Lanka and beyond. His records and achievements have secured his place among the all-time greats of the sport, and he continues to be an influential figure in the cricketing world.