How I became a big fan of Sangakkara

As the cricket world prepares to bid farewell to legendary Sri Lankan cricketer Kumar Sangakkara, here is what makes him one of the best players the gentlemen's game has ever produced.

Despite repeated appeals from his countrymen including politicians to extend his Test career by an year at least, Sangakkara has decided to hang up his gloves.

The 37-year-old swashbuckling batsman has been one of the greatest wicketkeepers also. Debuted in 2000, the man remained the backbone of the Sri Lankan cricket side for 15 years.

With a total 12,350 Test runs, averaging 57.71 per match, 38 centuries, 52 half-century and among them one triple ton (319) in 133 Tests, he is undoubtedly above all his peers.

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