Kumar Chokshanada Sangakkara

Kumar Sangakkara is a colorful figure in the annals of Sri Lankan sport - not just an outstanding cricketer, he embodies a paradigm of multi-faceted excellence. Born on October 27, 1977 in Matale, Sri Lanka, Sangakkara’s story extends far beyond the cricket field, encompassing entrepreneurial activities and significant philanthropic contributions. This article aims to uncover all the layers of Sangakkara’s personality, tracing his evolution from an internationally renowned cricketer to a figure of considerable influence in society. Through this study, we seek to clarify how Sangakkara transcended the traditional role of a sportsman, leaving his mark on various aspects of social and cultural life.

Kumar Sangakkara Career Stats - Batting & Bowling

Batting

Bowling

Career Information

Test debut vs South Africa at Galle International Stadium, Jul 20, 2000

Last Test vs India at P Sara Oval, Aug 20, 2015

ODI debut vs Pakistan at Galle International Stadium, Jul 05, 2000

Last ODI vs South Africa at Sydney Cricket Ground, Mar 18, 2015

T20 debut vs England at The Rose Bowl, Jun 15, 2006

Last T20 vs India at Shere Bangla National Stadium, Apr 06, 2014

IPL debut vs Chennai Super Kings at Punjab Cricket Association IS Bindra Stadium, Apr 19, 2008

Last IPL vs Chennai Super Kings at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, May 08, 2013

Early Years - Biography

Kumar Sangakkara was born on October 27, 1977, in the Central Province town of Matale, Sri Lanka. As the youngest progeny of Kshema Sangakkara, a practitioner of civil law, and Kumari Sangakkara, his formative years were deeply enmeshed with familial and sporting endeavors in their residence near the city of Kandy. His father’s dedication to sports was profound, manifesting in the diligent training of his offspring in various athletic disciplines.

The epoch of Sangakkara’s childhood and the majority of his subsequent cricketing career coincided with the Sri Lankan Civil War (1983–2009), a conflagration commonly believed to have been ignited by the Black July incidents. During this period, the Sangakkara household extended sanctuary to Tamil families, an act of solidarity witnessed by Kumar at the impressionable age of six.

Sangakkara’s educational trajectory at Trinity College, Kandy, was distinguished by a blend of musical and athletic accomplishments. His adeptness in sports was notable, yet it was his mother who sought directional guidance from Leonard de Alwis, the college principal, who advocated for a concentration on cricket. This advice was situated within a familial context where sporting prowess was prevalent; his siblings had already attained notable success in various sports.

His representation of Trinity College’s cricket teams spanned from the Under-13 level to the prestigious first XI. At sixteen, Sangakkara expanded his cricketing experience internationally with the Sri Lankan Under-19 team in Kuala Lumpur. Despite his self-characterization as a ‘run-of-the-mill’ schoolboy cricketer, it was his engagement with the Nondescripts Cricket Club that catalyzed his drive for cricketing excellence. His scholastic achievements did not suffer amidst his sporting endeavors; he achieved the role of Senior Prefect and was the recipient of the Trinity Lion and Ryde Gold Medal, denoting scholastic and extracurricular distinction. Although he matriculated to study law at the University of Colombo, his commitment to cricket necessitated a deferment of his legal studies, with a possible contemplation of their completion subsequent to his cricketing tenure.

Career

Kumar Sangakkara, distinguished for his proficiency in stroke play, wicketkeeping, and tactical acumen, emerged as a foundational pillar in the domain of Sri Lankan cricket for a span nearing one and a half decades. His cricketing tenure, encompassing approximately 500 international contests, culminated in a Test confrontation against India at Colombo (PSS) in the year 2015.

The genesis of Sangakkara’s cricketing narrative was marked by an impressive display, specifically his 156-run innings against Zimbabwe A in 2000, which efficaciously persuaded the selection committee of his capabilities. At the nascent age of 22, he was inducted into the one-day international squad, swiftly attaining his inaugural ‘Man of the Match’ accolade in only his second appearance. His inaugural century in Test cricket was realized in his tenth engagement, subsequent to narrowly missing the milestone on two prior occasions. Noteworthy is his batting temperament, which appeared to transcend his chronological age.

In the era of Mahela Jayawardene’s captaincy, Sangakkara’s cricketing prowess reached its zenith. His performance in both Test and one-day formats was exemplary. A notable episode in his career was the partnership with Jayawardene, where they collectively amassed 287 runs against South Africa, contributing to a record-breaking 624-run stand. This feat was complemented by his century in Wellington in 2006-07, further reinforcing his status as a consummate batsman.

His 192-run exploit against Australia in Hobart in 2007 further cemented his role as the central figure in Sri Lanka’s batting arsenal. As a quintessential wicketkeeper-batsman of the modern era, Sangakkara’s versatility was pivotal to his team’s success. His laudable achievements include ascending to the pinnacle of the ICC test rankings in 2007 and being an integral part of the ICC World ODI XI in 2005 and the World Test Team in 2006.

Sangakkara’s cricketing ledger is further embellished by his attainment of over 10,000 runs in both Test and ODI formats. His stewardship of the Hyderabad franchise spanned from 2011 to 2013, culminating in a transition to Cameron White in 2013.

In the realm of team dynamics, Sangakkara’s captaincy was instrumental in sustaining equilibrium within the Sri Lankan squad. Succeeding Jayawardene as captain, he was pivotal in steering Sri Lanka’s cricketing strategy. His tenure as captain was characterized by significant victories, including triumphs in the tri-series in Bangladesh and against India. His leadership in the 2011 World Cup culminated in a finals appearance, post which he relinquished his captaincy, thus marking a transition towards fostering a new epoch in Sri Lankan cricket and honing his batting skills. In that same annum, he was recognized as the ICC ODI Cricketer of the Year.

Sangakkara’s esteemed place in cricket history was further solidified when he became the joint-fastest cricketer to amass 10,000 Test runs, a milestone he shares with the likes of Sachin Tendulkar and Brian Lara. His prolific scoring, surpassed only by Sir Don Bradman in the realm of double centuries, significantly bolstered Sri Lanka’s international cricket stature. His partnership with Jayawardene was fundamental in augmenting Sri Lanka’s competitive edge, particularly in foreign conditions.

Sangakkara’s role was pivotal in heralding a new phase in Sri Lankan cricket, notably his contribution to the World T20 victory in Bangladesh in 2014. His unbeaten half-century in the final was instrumental in breaking a long-standing absence from major tournament victories since 1996. This victory also coincided with his and Jayawardene’s retirement from T20I cricket.

In the latter part of 2014, Sangakkara achieved a milestone of 13,000 runs in ODIs, joining an elite group of players to reach this feat. His record-setting endeavors continued, culminating in his final ODI on home soil in December 2014. The year 2014 saw him amass a record 2868 runs across all formats, the highest in a calendar year.

In early 2015, Sangakkara continued his exceptional form, scoring his 11th double century in a Test against New Zealand, only second to Sir Don Bradman in this achievement. He also surpassed the 12,000-run mark in Test cricket. Later, he ascended to the third-highest run-scorer in ODIs, surpassing Jayasuriya. He commenced a two-year tenure with Surrey at the beginning of 2015.

Sangakkara’s performance in the World Cup in Australia was noteworthy, accumulating over 500 runs, including four centuries. He became the first batsman to score four centuries in a single World Cup edition. Post-World Cup, he retired from ODIs but continued in Tests until the series against India in

Kumar Sangakkara - Wife and Family

Kumar Sangakkara, an eminent personality in the realm of Sri Lankan cricket, has a narrative that intertwines both his professional and personal life. He encountered his spouse, Yehali, during their educational tenure, leading to a conjugal union that saw the birth of twin offspring in the year 2009, a period that coincided with Sangakkara’s ascension to the captaincy of the Sri Lankan cricket team. Yehali has been a consistent presence in Sangakkara’s professional sojourns, notably during the prolonged tour of the West Indies for the 2007 Cricket World Cup, wherein Sri Lanka achieved the status of runners-up.

Parallel to his cricketing accolades, Sangakkara has ventured into the entrepreneurial domain. In December 2011, in collaboration with Mahela Jayawardene and the renowned chef Dharshan Munidasa, he co-founded the Ministry of Crab, an enterprise that rapidly ascended to prominence as a culinary landmark in Colombo.

Sangakkara’s contributions extend beyond the cricket field and business endeavors, manifesting a profound engagement in philanthropic activities, predominantly centered around child welfare. He is an active participant in the Think Wise Initiative, a collaborative effort among the International Cricket Council, UNICEF, and the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS, focusing on disseminating knowledge regarding HIV prevention and addressing the stigma associated with HIV and AIDS. Further exemplifying his commitment to social causes, Sangakkara is associated with the Foundation of Goodness, a child welfare charity initiated by Muttiah Muralitharan in Galle.

In a testament to his societal influence and dedication to public health concerns, on 19th August 2015, subsequent to the Sri Lankan parliamentary elections, President Maithripala Sirisena designated Sangakkara as the Ambassador of Anti-narcotics. In this capacity, Sangakkara spearheads initiatives aimed at heightening public consciousness about the perils of drug dependence and championing anti-narcotic campaigns.

Conclusion

Reflecting upon Kumar Sangakkara’s journey reveals a narrative that transcends the confines of athletic endeavor, encapsulating a spectrum of roles that he has adeptly embodied. His cricketing prowess, replete with records and accolades, secures his position amongst the pantheon of cricketing legends. Yet, it is his endeavors beyond the realm of sport that delineate his profound societal impact. His foray into entrepreneurship with the establishment of the Ministry of Crab, his philanthropic engagements with entities such as the Foundation of Goodness, and his appointment as the Ambassador of Anti-narcotics collectively illustrate his commitment to societal betterment. Sangakkara’s narrative thus emerges as an exemplar of the influential capacity of sports figures, not merely within the boundaries of their respective sports but as agents of holistic societal progress and embodiments of the ethos of true sportsmanship.