Kumar Sangakkara is a legendary cricketer from Sri Lanka and is considered among the greatest batsmen in the history of cricket. Born on October 27, 1977, he began his career in 2000 and retired in 2015. Sangakkara was well-known for his magnificent left-handed batting style, sharp wicketkeeping, and leadership skills. Across all formats of international cricket, he scored more than 28,000 runs.
Kumar Sangakkara captained the national team and helped Sri Lanka achieve many memorable victories, including reaching the finals of the 2007 and 2011 Cricket World Cups and winning the 2014 ICC T20 World Cup. On retirement, he became a noted cricket commentator and administrator. In 2019, he was appointed President of the MCC and is the first non-British man to hold the position.
Kumar Sangakkara is a former Sri Lankan cricketer and captain eminent for his fine left-handed wicket keeping and batting. He made his mark with over 12,400 runs at better than a 57 average and 14 world cup centuries in what can be described as an exceptional career from 2000 to 2015.
As the captain of Sri Lanka across all formats, he garnered much admiration for his leadership and sportsmanship in the game. After retirement, he specialized in commentary and administration, serving as president of the Marylebone Cricket Club and inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame.
An extraordinarily astute and thoughtful cricketer could never be better defined than Kumar Sangakkara. For Sangakkara, who played wicket keeper-left-handed batting for Sri Lanka, there was only one word–grace and consistency, no other. He was best recognized for his exquisite stroke-play and sharp cricketing brain for depicting national pride with such much aplomb.
He is as much held in esteem for how he carries himself as he is for his statistics: as a leader, humble in victory or defeat, and courteous in all his deeds. Off the pitch, he is an articulate speaker who imparts his wisdom in global cricket forums. His influence beyond the game makes him a hero for audiences and aspiring cricketers. Character, dedication, and class define Sangakkara’s legacy.
Biography of Kumar Sangakkara:
- Real Name: Kumar Chokshanada Sangakkara`
- Full Name: Kumar Chokshanada Sangakkara
- Nickname: Sanga
- Profession: Former International Cricketer, Commentator, Lawyer
- Famous for: Being one of the greatest wicket keeper-batsman in history
- Best Performance: 319 vs Bangladesh (Test), 169 vs South Africa (ODI)
- Salary (at peak): Estimated $1–2 million/year (including endorsements)
- Monthly Income (Post-retirement): Estimated $80,000–$100,000
- Website URL: www.kumarsangakkara.lk
- Instagram Handle: @kumarsangakkaraofficial
Physical Status of Kumar Sangakkara:
- Height: 5 feet 10 inches (178 cm)
- Weight: 75 kg (165 lbs)
- Body Measurements: Chest 40″, Waist 32″, Biceps 13″
- Eye Colour: Brown
- Hair Colour: Black
Personal Life of Kumar Sangakkara:
- Date Of Birth: October 27, 1977
- Place Of Birth: Matale, Sri Lanka
- Nationality: Sri Lankan
- Hometown: Kandy, Sri Lanka
- School: Trinity College, Kandy
- College: University of Colombo (Law)
- Highest Education Qualification: Law degree (incomplete, left for cricket)
- Marital Status: Married
- Wife: Yehali Sangakkara
- Children: Twin children (boy and girl)
- Parents: Chokshanada Sangakkara (father), Kumari Sangakkara (mother)
- Siblings: Three elder siblings
- Religion: Buddhism
- Other Hobbies: Reading, music, cooking, and golfing
Early Life of Kumar Sangakkara:
Born in Matale, Sri Lanka, Kumar Sangakkara came from a modest, well-educated household. His father, a professional lawyer, greatly impressed ideals upon him from a very young age. The emphasis was all on ethics, education, and discipline. Sangakkara was a born sportsman and, amidst it all, was good at tennis, swimming, and cricket, among other things. But cricket started to take the front stage in his life while he was in school.
One of the most prominent universities in the nation, Trinity College in Kandy, is renowned for its robust academic and athletic traditions. He attended this institution. Sangakkara’s cricketing skills flourished at Roman Catholic Cathedral School, with the award of the much-coveted “Trinity Lion” being the highest accolade a sportsman can hope to get.
The win pushed him toward becoming one of the greatest wicket keeper-batsmen in the annals of cricket history. With his early formative years filled with character-building, sportsmanship, and academics, he has carved a niche for himself as one respected internationally.
Kumar Sangakkara: Education
Initially, Kumar Sangakkara was admitted to the University of Colombo as a lawyer. But with his meteoric rise in cricket, he soon had to change his priorities. After immediately catching the eyes of selectors on the national team because of his outstanding potential witnessed at school and in the domestic circuit, he put his academic career on hold to devote himself entirely to cricket.
Though outside formal schooling since then, his analytical thinking, command of languages, and highly articulate temperament have been markers of his academic background. The MCC Spirit of Cricket Cowdrey Lecture, where Sangakkara 2011 gave an address, had a great reception and was one of the many well-met addresses he gave, establishing him as a thinker with profound knowledge of the game and pressing social issues.
This academic background further bolsters Sangakkara’s standing as not just a cricketer but one who willingly serves as a global sports ambassador for integrity, equality, and social change.
Journey in the IPL and Domestic
Kumar Sangakkara’s career in the domestic circuit and Indian Premier League (IPL) was genuinely brilliant. He played for the Nondescripts Cricket Club and Kandurata Maroons in Sri Lanka. In county cricket in England, he had successful stints with Warwickshire and Surrey, where some of his finest late-career performances came to the fore.
In the Indian Premier League, he played for Sunrisers Hyderabad (2013), Deccan Chargers (2011), and Kings XI Punjab (2008). While his batting was not too explosive, his calm demeanor, brilliant wicketkeeping, and strategy always aided any team he played for. In addition, he captained the Deccan Chargers, where his quiet leadership and a plethora of international experience were vital for nurturing younger players.
International Career
Kumar Sangakkara has demonstrated exceptional consistency and skill in every format throughout his international cricket career. After making his Test debut against South Africa in 2000, he amassed 12,400 runs at an incredible average of 57.40 in 134 games, including a peak score of 319. The perennial partnership with Mahela Jayawardene remains.
He played in 404 ODIs and amassed 14,234 runs with 25 hundreds and 93 fifties at his retirement, second overall. He set a world record in the 2015 World Cup with four successive hundreds. He scored 1,382 runs in 56 games of T20 Internationals to help Sri Lanka win the World T20 title in 2014. He scored 1687 runs in 71 IPL matches.
Injuries and Comebacks
Because of his discipline, training, and innate athleticism, Kumar Sangakkara had an exceptionally injury-free career, unlike many fast bowlers or batters who switch between forms. He could perform consistently in Tests, ODIs, and T20s without significant physical setbacks thanks to his commitment to fitness and technically solid playing style. His durability and remarkable total of over 400 ODIs and 134 Test matches were facilitated by his consistency.
Throughout his career, Sangakkara maintained his peak performance due to his resilience, match fitness, and batting prowess. After assisting Sri Lanka in winning the ICC World T20 that year, he announced his retirement from T20 Internationals in 2014. He said goodbye to ODIs during the 2015 World Cup, where he set history by scoring four straight hundreds. His seamless format changes are a prime example of the composure and preparation that characterized his remarkable career.
Personal Life of Kumar Sangakkara:
Outside of cricket, Kumar Sangakkara has a balanced and satisfying life. He and his spouse, Yehali Sangakkara, are proud parents to twins. Sangakkara, well-known for his composed manner and humility, stresses striking a good balance between work, family, and giving back to the community.
He maintained his commitment to his principles throughout his playing career, which has persisted throughout his post-retirement path. After hanging up his gloves, Sangakkara moved quickly into positions that kept him involved in the game, becoming a popular pundit renowned for his eloquence and perceptive analysis.
Additionally, he entered the world of cricket administration. He made history in 2019 when he was named President of the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), the first non-British individual to occupy this esteemed role in more than 200 years. His charity endeavors and ongoing cricket contributions demonstrate a legacy far beyond records and runs.
Career Statistics of Kumar Sangakkara:
Test Debut:
On July 20, 2000, Kumar Sangakkara faced South Africa in his first Test match. He scored 12,400 runs at an incredible average of 57.40 during his illustrious 134-match career, which included 38 hundred and 52 half-centuries. 319 versus Bangladesh was the highest score he obtained, as he remains the highest wicket keeper-batting success rate in Test matches and the sixth-highest ODI run score. Cricket stars are marked by his great combinations with Mahela Jayawardene.
ODI Debut
Sangakkara played his first ODI against Pakistan on July 5, 2000. He scored 14,234 runs at 41.98 with an average of 404 matches, out of which there were 25 hundred and 93 fifties. He scored his best score of 169 against South Africa. He scored four successive hundreds in the 2015 World Cup and became the second-highest scorer in ODI history.
T20 debut:
Twenty20 International cricket in which he debuted against England on June 15, 2006. In 56 games, he scored 1,382 runs at an average of 31.40 with a strike rate of 119.55, with a top score of 78*. He had an impact on the T20 World Cup in 2012 and 2014.
IPL Career:
Sangakkara appeared in 71 matches in the IPL, with a total of 1,687 runs at a batting average of 25.95, having a strike rate of 120.33 and a highest score of 94. He obtained his best score of 169 against South Africa. Consecutive centuries in the 2015 World Cup earned him the place of second-highest run scorer in One Day Internationals.
Achievements of Kumar Sangakkara:
- Wisden is the world’s best cricketer and has been awarded two times for his consistent performance in all forms in 2012 and 2015.
- In 2011 and 2013, he was awarded the ICC ODI Cricketer of the Year for his unmatched performance in 50-over cricket.
- He was the best player at the tournament in 2014 when Sri Lanka won the ICC T20 World Cup.
- Most ODI Runs in a Year: 1,493 runs were scored in 2015, which is the record.
- The player who achieved that remarkable feat in the 2015 World Cup is the only one who has ever scored four consecutive World Cup centuries.
- Upon retirement, he was the second-highest ODI run scorer, next only to Sachin Tendulkar.
- He became one of the greatest by being sixth on the test runs in history.
- MCC President (2019–2020): First non-Brit to hold the office in 233 years.
- In 2021, he was honored for his illustrious career by being inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame.
- Listed as one of the top five Wisden cricketers of the 2000s for their consistent excellence.
Here are Some of the Lesser-Known Facts About Kumar Sangakkara:
- Before deciding to make cricket their full-time profession, the law student attended the University of Colombo.
- MCC Cowdrey Lecture (2011) – Won praise from all around the world for his stirring address against the corruption and spirit of cricket.
- He is multilingual and demonstrates his cultural diversity by being fluent in English, Tamil, and Sinhala.
- A spotless reputation was maintained throughout his career, with no significant on-field problems.
- One of the athletes hurt in the terrorist attack on the Sri Lankan team bus in 2009 was a survivor of the Lahore incident.
- Lover of music: enjoys jazz and plays the classical piano.
- Environmental Advocate: Enthusiastic about protecting wildlife and leading a sustainable lifestyle.
- Entrepreneur: Co-owner of Ministry of Crab, a well-known Colombo restaurant, alongside Mahela Jayawardene.
- Leadership Educator: Often gives leadership seminars at universities and international conferences.
- Speechwriter and Reformer: He fights for clean, transparent cricket governance and writes speeches.
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