Kumar Sangakkara retires: Tributes come pouring

Kumar Sangakkara retires: Tributes come pouring: Poise, class and grace describe in words Kumar Sangakkara’s 15 year long career. The legend dawned the Lankan jersey for one final time during the 2nd Test at Colombo. The match concluded with India’s win but the presentation ceremony that followed was entirely dedicated to Sanga, who is deserving of every honour given to him.

Kumar Sangakkara walked on to the field with cheers and a smile on his face. A man of dignity, Sanga who played the game in its true spirit thanked every person right from his college days till today. We saw Sangakkara finding it tough to control his tears as he delivered the retirement speech. Shaking hands, hugging his team mates the Champion bid his final adieu. Stepping into a whole new life, with no Test matches to look forward to, nor bowlers to worry about, and neither a fitness regime to follow, Sanga looked relaxed. No more “Sanga appeals” and some relief for umpires. Posing for pictures, receiving momentos Sangakkara leaves from International cricket with a huge void to be filled. Every big name congratulated and appreciated his magnificent cricket career.

Here is what the Lankan champ Kumar Sangakkara and participants of the presentation ceremony had to say:

Sunil Gavaskar:

“Kumar in my mother tongue means young boy. When they grow older they become Sri. In the heart of all cricket lovers, you will always remain Kumar. And now I welcome you to join…. drum roll… former cricketers’ club.”

Virat Kohli:

“I have spoken a lot about him, everyone has, in the last week, but I can’t help saying it again that it has been an absolute pleasure playing with you.”

Also Read – Twitter Reactions: Kumar Sangakkara bids adieu to International Cricket

Angelo Mathews:

“Pretty disappointed with the way things went,” says Angelo Mathews. “We didn’t play our best cricket. More disappointed we didn’t win it for Sanga. We promised him we would play our best cricket, but we didn’t. On behalf of the team, we can’t thank Sanga enough for his services over the last 15 years.”

R Ashwin:

“I remember when I first took note of Sangakkara. The Nat-west series which was made famous by the Ganguly celebration. The third team in the series was SL. And though on a losing cause, a less known Sanga came out literally “ALL GUNS BLAZING” and took India bowling apart. I don’t know if anyone else remember that but definitely, bowlers on Indian side that day wont forget! ” Daison, that’s my first memory of Sanga. It was in Bristol. He was unstoppable that day.”

Kumar Sangakkara ’s final speech:

“Your excellency, the President of Sri Lanka, the honourable Prime Minister, Members of Parliament, all the well wishers and the invitees, fans, all my friends, my family – who are all here, which is a rare occasion that all of us are together – Virat Kohli and the Indian team, Angelo and my team, I have got so many people to thank here.”

“First of all everybody who has come here. Then my college. Trinity College. It was an amazing school to go to. I owe a lot to the grounding and foundation I got there. To all my coaches, Mr Sunil Fernando who is here. He was from my rival school, but he was kind enough to coach me. Mr Bertie Wijesinghe, who is in his 90s. Huge inspiration to me. To all my past captains, to all my team-mates, the support, the inspiration, the drive you have shown, I value it very highly. All the moments in the dressing room, I am going to miss that very much. To Charlie and Suthami Austin, it has not been as easy job managing me. But you have become much more than a manager. Thank you most of all for making me the godfather of your beautiful children

“A lot of people have asked me what has inspired. I don’t have to look beyond my parents [chokes up]… Pauses. I am sorry I don’t want to embarrass you but you have been my inspiration. And my siblings. [Chokes up again]. Thank you amma and appachi. I felt safe at home. They say you can’t choose your family, but I am thankful I was born your children and your sibling. I am sorry I don’t always get emotional, but this is the rare time that my parents and my siblings are here.”

“People asked me the big achievements. The hundreds, the WC win, but I just look up at the box, all my friends over the last 30 years, have come up here on a Monday to watch me play. To be able to go back to a family that will love me whether I win or lose. That is my greatest achievement.”

“Finally to Virat and the Indian team. Thanks for the kind words and more importantly the quality of cricket you have brought here. I couldn’t have asked more anything more than tough cricket when I am leaving. You have been our toughest opponents. We have planned to beat you. Sometimes we have succeeded; sometimes we haven’t, but thanks for being there.”

“Finally to Angie and my team. Angie, you have an amazing team. You have an amazing future. Just be fearless. Don’t be afraid to lose when going for a win.” Sangakkara fighting his tears bids his final goodbye”.