Indian cricket captain Virat Kohli (L) is congratulated by Sri Lankan cricketer Kumara Sangakkara (R) after the second Test cricket match between Sri Lanka and India at the P. Sara Oval Cricket Stadium in Colombo on August 24, 2015.
Colombo - Kohli said it was a team effort where everyone chipped in.
Published: Tue 25 Aug 2015, 4:37 PM
Updated: Wed 26 Aug 2015, 10:19 AM
India captain Virat Kohli on Monday congratulated retiring Sri Lankan great Kumar Sangakkara on a glittering career and said it has been his pleasure playing with the batting maestro.
"I just want to congratulate Kumar again on a wonderful career. I have spoken a lot about him, everyone has, in the last week, but I can't help saying it again that it has been an absolute pleasure playing with you," Kohli said at the post-match presentation ceremony of the second Test where India beat Sri Lanka by 278 runs to level the three-match series 1-1.
Speaking about the thumping victory, Kohli said it was a team effort where everyone chipped in.
"Came close twice before, once in Adelaide, once in Galle. We played really good cricket in both those Tests, if we had done it for one more session (things might have been different)."
colombo - An emotional Kumar Sangakkara on Monday said his greatest achievement in life is to go back to a family that has and will continue loving him irrespective of his performances on the cricket field.
The great Sri Lankan batsman ended his journey in international cricket at the P. Sara Oval ground as India clinched the second Test by 278 runs.
Sangakkara was almost in tears bidding farewell to the sport he chose as a profession.
"People ask me about the big achievements. The hundreds, the World Cup win (T20), but I just look up at the box, all my friends over the last 30 years, have come up here on a Monday to watch me play.
"To be able to go back to a family that will love me whether I win or lose. That is my greatest achievement," Sangakkara said.
The prolific left-hander who has scored 12,400 runs from 134 Test matches also lauded the efforts of the Virat Kohli-led Indian team who were brilliant in the match spoiling a perfect farewell.
"To Virat and the Indian team. Thanks for the kind words and more importantly the quality of cricket you have brought here. I couldn't have asked anything more than tough cricket when I am leaving.
"You have been our toughest opponents. We had planned to beat you. Sometimes we have succeeded, sometimes we haven't, but thanks for being there," he said.
The former Sri Lanka skipper also said his biggest inspiration has been his parents and thanked them for their contribution over the years.
"A lot of people have asked me what has inspired me? I don't have to look beyond my parents. I am sorry I don't want to embarrass you but you have been my inspiration. Thank you amma and appachi. I felt safe at home. They say you can't choose your family, but I am thankful I was born your children," he said.
Sangakkara also thanked his former coaches and team-mates and added the current Sri Lankan team headed by allrounder Angelo Mathews should always play fearless cricket. - IANS
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