Virat Kohli’s message to retiring legend Sangakkara

Current Indian test captain Virat Kohli has written a very emotional farewell message to one of the game’s all-time greats, Kumar Sangakkara, who is now officially retired following India’s comprehensive 278 run victory over Sri Lanka to level the 3-test series at 1-1.

Kohli wrote in his touching message

“Dear Kumar, It’s been an absolute pleasure knowing you as a person first and no words can explain your great cricketing achievements. 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.”

Tributes have flown in from all corners of the cricketing world for Sangakkara. Although he would be slightly disappointed at not having ended his glorious career with a win, he will surely look back at the last 15 years beaming with pride.

India defeated Sri Lanka by a comfortable 278 runs at the P Sara Stadium in Colombo to level the series at 1-1 after their highly disappointing loss in the first test. KL Rahul was awarded the Man of the Match award for his outstanding century in the first innings. Ravichandran Ashwin also shined, picking up yet another 5 wicket haul in the final innings.

Despite India’s win, this test will always be remembered as the day when the cricket bid farewell to Kumar Sangakkara. Having debuted in 2000, Sangakkara has gone on to play in 134 test matches, scoring a whopping 12,400 runs, becoming the 5th highest run scorer in the history of the game. He will go down as Sri Lanka’s greatest ever player and definitely among the greatest the game has seen.

EssentiallySports thanks you for the memories, Sanga!