Sri Lankan legendary wicket-keeper cum batsman Kumar Sangakkara has retired from international cricket with full of emotions.
He made 18 in his final international innings against India at P Sara Oval in Colombo before retirement.
The 37-year-old, the fifth highest Test run-scorer in history, was given a guard of honour by India’s fielders in the second Test.
He hit three fours before edging Ravichandran Ashwin to gully, leaving Sri Lanka 33-2 in pursuit of 413.
Sangakkara ends his 134-Test career with 12,400 runs at an average of 57.40, with 38 centuries.
The left-hander also played 404 one-day internationals and 56 Twenty20 internationals as well.
After breaking into the Sri Lanka side in 2000 as a wicketkeeper-batsman, he eventually relinquished the wicketkeeping gloves in Test cricket in 2008. He gave the MCC Spirit of Cricket Cowdrey Lecture at Lord’s in 2011.
He was the only batsman to hit four consecutive tons in ODIs.
Some massages of appreciation for Sangakkara:
Virat Kohli said, “You have inspired so many people and shown them the way. Lucky to have played in the same era as you. Thanks for everything. God bless you and your family and wish you the best in life ahead.”
It wasn’t to be in this match but what he was for SL cricket is some thing that you can’t take away. Very proud of you mate. @KumarSanga2
— Mahela Jayawardena (@MahelaJay) August 23, 2015
Well played @KumarSanga2. You have been a terrific ambassador for the game & a thorough gentleman. Warm welcome to the club of the Retired! — sachin tendulkar (@sachin_rt) August 23, 2015
#ThankYouSanga https://t.co/FqSQFbh56y
— Chris Gayle (@henrygayle) August 23, 2015
Another legend of cricket said good bye to international cricket @KumarSanga2 !!U have been a true inspiration for cricketers!Will b missed. — Ahmad Shahzad (@iamAhmadshahzad) August 23, 2015
Here’s a pic of #TeamIndia skipper @imVkohli‘s message to @KumarSanga2 #ThankYouSanga pic.twitter.com/iMKOHKd99P
— BCCI (@BCCI) August 24, 2015
Kohli presents a signed jersey to #KumarSangakkara on behalf of Indian cricket http://t.co/Y2TDlV8R9p #ThankYouSanga pic.twitter.com/yLQhcnjbVw — cricketnext (@cricketnext) August 24, 2015
WATCH: @MahelaJay send a beautiful message to his great friend @KumarSanga2 upon his retirement #ThankYouSanga https://t.co/nM6XWS3P4u
— ICC (@ICC) August 24, 2015
