Watch: Kumar Sangakkara's Farewell

Watch: Kumar Sangakkara’s Farewell: “I had 15 wonderful years,” said the classic legend Kumar Sangakkara, after his retirement and indeed they were wonderful years. He loved the game more than anything else. The 2^nd Test of the 3 match series between India and Sri Lanka was followed by a grand celebration as another elegant batsman bid adieu to the cricketing world. Kumar Sangakkara has been receiving tributes from all around the world from the past few days. Fans, team mates, opponents everybody bowed down at the end of a magnificent cricket career.

The Presentation ceremony was a dedicated farewell to one of Sri Lanka’s most loved sons who has contributed 15 years of his life in the country’s service. The Prime Minster as well as the President of Sri Lanka were present to honour the achievements of Sanga. The ceremony kick started with a special gift being presented by the Indian team. It was handed over to Sanga by skipper Virat Kohli, in the form of a T-shirt signed by the entire Indian team, a gesture that is a proof of cricket being a gentlemen’s game.

A sketch of the elegant batsman was presented over to him by the former world cup winning captain of the Sri Lankan team, Arjun Ranatunga. The Prime Minister and the President also, stepped up to hand over mementos to Sangakkara, with an offer to be the Sri Lankan High Commissioner to UK.

After the mementos, followed a series of words that brought tears in everyone’s eyes, including the champ himself. Sanga, has seen many defeats and victories, received many awards in his long career but never have we seen him with teary eyes and choking throat. But the day was special as he was bidding adieu to his profession, his passion and probably his first love.

He thanked everyone present there from family to friends, from fans to his opponents and of course his team mates with whom he had spent all the ups and downs and had some memorable moments. “Anji (Mathews), you have an amazing team and an amazing future. I just hope you will work hard and enjoy this sport, the sport we have only for a short time – it comes and goes but don’t be afraid. Take pride in what you do and don’t be afraid to lose when you’re searching for a win and keep the Sri Lankan flag flying high”, were the legend’s last words for the future Sri Lankan cricket team. It will surely inspire them for a long time.

That is how a hero exits – with a smile, lot of memories, dignity, respect and most of all love, love that came pouring from every corner of the world. The unsung hero, as he was known as, to no one’s surprise showed that he rules the heart of every cricket fan.

Watch: Kumar Sangakkara’s Farewell: