Kumar Sangakkara turns 47, a look at his glittering career

Renowned for his exceptional skills as a wicketkeeper-batter, Sangakkara was a cornerstone of the Sri Lankan national team during its golden era from the early 2000s to the early 2010s, following their historic World Cup win in 1996.

Kumara Sangakkara’s Test career is remarkable, with 12,400 runs scored in 134 matches at an impressive average of 57.40. He notched 38 centuries and 52 half-centuries, with a highest score of 319.

Kumar Sangakkara

He holds the record for the most centuries by a Sri Lankan in Tests and is the seventh-highest run-scorer in Test history. Behind the stumps, he contributed significantly with 182 catches and 20 stumpings.

In ODIs, Sangakkara amassed 14,234 runs in 404 matches at an average of 41.98, making him the second-highest run-getter in the format. He was instrumental in Sri Lanka's runner-up finishes in the 2007 and 2011 ICC Cricket World Cups and jointly secured the ICC Champions Trophy 2002 with India. His World Cup tally of 1,532 runs from 37 matches places him among the top scorers in the tournament’s history.

Kumar Sangakkara

Kumara Sangakkara’s T20I career also stood out, with 1,382 runs in 56 matches and a key role in Sri Lanka's 2014 ICC T20 World Cup victory. Across all formats, he accumulated an astounding 28,016 runs in 594 international matches, making him Sri Lanka's highest run-scorer and the second-highest globally.

His influence extended to the Indian Premier League (IPL), where he scored 1,687 runs in 71 matches, helping the Deccan Chargers clinch the 2009 title.

Kumar Sangakkara

As fans and former teammates celebrate his legacy, Sangakkara remains a beloved figure in cricket, known for his exemplary sportsmanship and contribution to the game.