Kumar Sangakkara, considered to be one of the best Sri Lankan Cricketer, has added one more feather in his cap. Wisden Cricketers’ Almanac has recently declared him as the leading cricketer of the world in 2015. The phenomenal performance of the cricketer at both tests and ODIs last year helped him earn the title.
Wisden declared Kumar Sangakkara as the leading cricketer
Historically, he got the accolade for the second time in his career. He was awarded Wisden cricketer of the year title for the first time in 2012. The wicketkeeper-batsman scored miraculous 2868 runs (1493 Tests + 1256 ODIs + 119 T20Is) in all formats of the game in 2014. The 37-year-old Sri Lanka’s top order batsman has recently announced his retirement from ODIs just after the Cricket World Cup 2015, held in Australia and New Zealand.
Kumar Sangakkara: Statistics Speaks the Splendor
- He has played 130 tests scoring 12203 runs with 38 tons and 51 fifties at an average of 58.
- The veteran batsman scored 14234 runs (second highest run-getter in ODIs after Sachin Tendulkar) from 404 one dayers with 25 centuries and 93 fifties at an average of 42.
- He has represented Sri Lanka in 56 T-20 International matches and scored 1382 runs with 8 half centuries at an average of 31.
- Sangakkara has the most dismissals (402 catches + 99 stumping = 501 dismissals) in One Day matches. It is a world record.
- He is the fifth highest run-getter in test matches.
An Astute Captain and Excellent Orator
Kumar Sangakkara is always revered in high esteem for his immaculate leadership on the field. The veteran cricketer has kept the spirit of game alive with use of his wit and flowery words. No Indian fans can forget his words at the 2011 World Cup final in Mumbai when he stated to match officials before the clash that “I am here to win the match, not to spoil any one’s party”, in the context of Sachin Tendulkar’s anticipated 100th ton. Such is the elegance of this man. Needless to mention he has a huge fan-following in India too.
Likewise, his oratory speech at the 2011 MCC Cowdrey Lecture grabbed the attention of a lot of people worldwide. His eloquence was at its best. His hour long speech focuses on many aspects of cricket and its administration. He also emphasized on the need for more transparency, accountability and credibility in cricket administration.
Sangakkara’s Outstanding Performance at the Cricket World Cup 2015
The ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 was the last tournament that fans witnessed this great cricketer wearing colorful jersey for his team. Sangakkara and Jayawerdene (the two big stalwart of Sri Lankan Cricket) bid adieu to the game of cricket following the 2015 World Cup quarterfinal match against South Africa.
The Left handed batsman remained the second highest run-getter in the Cricket World Cup 2015. He scored a huge 541 runs from 7 matches with 4 consecutive hundreds at an astonishing average of 108. Martin Guptil (547) was the top scorer in the tournament.
Tags: Cricketer, ICC Cricket World Cup 2015, Kumar Sangakkara, Sri Lanka, Wisden
