Full Name: Kumar Chokshanada
Sangakkara
Born: 27th Oct 1977, Matale
Age: 28
Role: Left Hand Batsman / Wicketkeeper
Major Teams: Sri Lanka, ACC Asian XI, Nondescripts Cricket Club
Test Debut: Sri Lanka v South Africa at Galle - Jul 20-23, 2000
ODI Debut: Sri Lanka v Pakistan at Galle - Jul 5, 2000
At
almost any other time in the history of the game, Kumar Sangakkara would
be viewed as the outstanding wicketkeeper-batsman of his generation.
But sadly, because of the extraordinary feats of
Adam Gilchrist, Sangakkara's own achievements have often been overlooked.
This is unfortunate, as there have been few wicket keepers who have managed
a test batting average approaching 50. Throw in the additional complications
of batting at number three, and keeping to arguably the least orthodox
spinner in the history of the game, and it is clear that this is no ordinary
practitioner. The name of his club team, 'The Nondescripts Cricket Club',
could hardly be less appropriate.
Born
on 27 October 1977, Sangakkara made his test and one-day debuts in July
2000. A left-handed batsman, some observers have suggested that he combines
the style of David Gower with the attitude of Steve Waugh. In full flow,
he is a sight to behold - as comfortable on the front as the back foot
- and his increasing appetite for large hundreds suggests that he is now
approaching his peak as a Test batsman. He has been a more effective performer
in Tests than ODIs, although in recent times he has played some magical
ODI innings, none better than the 138* against India in 2005 - and he
was one of the few players to emerge from the ill-fated Super Series with
his reputation enhanced.
Behind the stumps Sangakkara is often as brilliant
as he is in front of them, although he is prone to bouts of inconsistency.
He
is an intelligent and articulate man, who is training to become a lawyer.
In the meantime, he is not afraid to air his views on the field. He is
a handy sledger, and, judging by his infamous spat with the normally unflappable
Mike Atherton, is capable of getting under the skin of almost anyone.
He is reputed to be a sharp analyst of the game, and some feel that he
will one day captain his country.
Whether it will be possible to add that to his
already packed job description remains to be seen. What is in no doubt
though is that Sangakkara has already established himself as one of Sri
Lanka's greatest batsmen and could go on to be the greatest.