Kumar Chokshanda Sangakkara was born in 27th October 1977 in Matale, Sri Lanka. He studied at one of the prominent schools in Kandy, known as Trinity College. He excelled both in Sports as well as in Studies and was awarded with “Ryde Gold Medal”, which is the most coveted price a Trinitian can be achieved. (https://www.trinitycollege.lk/)
He broke in to the Sri Lankan National team at the age of 22 and there was looking back. Kumar cut and pull with ease and with growing confidence; he became a more confident front-foot player.
As a wicket-keeper his glove work was initially not up to the standard, but his batting ability there was no question of displacing him from the playing XI.
“Kumar Sangakkara is described as one of the “most polished and prudent of batsmen” in cricket. He dominated the number one spot in the ICC Test batting rankings between 2005 and 2015.”
“Sangakkara was a key member of the team that won the 2014 ICC World Twenty20 and was part of the team that made the final of the 2007 Cricket World Cup, 2011 Cricket World Cup, 2009 ICC World Twenty20 and 2012 ICC World Twenty20. He won the Man of the Match award in the final of the 2014 ICC World Twenty20, where he helped the team win their first title.” (Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kumar_Sangakkara)
He was named as the “Wisden Leading Cricketer in the World” twice in 2011 and 2015. Kumar and Virender Shewag (2008 & 2009) are the only players to name twice with this award.
He was the youngest person and the first active international player to deliver the MCC Spirit of Cricket Cowdrey Lecture, which was widely praised by the cricketing community for its outspoken nature.
