Sri Lankan wicket-keeper batsman, one of cricket's greatest left-handed batsmen with over 12,000 Test runs and former national captain.
Kumar Chokshanada Sangakkara was born in Matale, Sri Lanka in 1977 and became the second-highest run-scorer in Test cricket history and one of the finest wicketkeeper-batsmen the game has produced. His Test record: 12,400 runs in 134 matches at 57.40 with 38 centuries — the most by any Sri Lankan and second only to Tendulkar in total runs. His ODI record: 14,234 runs in 404 matches at 41.98 with 25 centuries — the second-highest ODI run total in history. He took 182 dismissals as wicketkeeper. He played county cricket for Surrey, Durham and Warwickshire. He captained Sri Lanka from 2009 to 2011. In the 2015 Cricket World Cup he scored 4 consecutive centuries in the group stage — the only player to achieve this in World Cup history. He won the ICC Player of Year and ODI Player of Year double in 2012. He was Wisden Cricketer of Year in 2012. His record of being the only player to score 14,000+ ODI runs and average over 57 in Tests simultaneously places him among the three or four finest batsmen in cricket history. He was president of MCC in 2019 — the first non-British holder of the role.
Becoming the first batsman to score four consecutive centuries in ODI cricket, achieving this feat during the 2015 World Cup.
He scored four consecutive centuries at the 2015 World Cup — the only player in history to achieve four consecutive international centuries at a single tournament.
Did You Know?How They Played
Sangakkara was renowned for his classical left-handed batting technique, combining elegance with effectiveness across all formats. He possessed exceptional footwork against spin bowling and was equally adept at building innings and accelerating when required. His wicket-keeping was reliable and athletic, though he eventually gave up the gloves to focus on his batting.
Lasting Impact
Sangakkara is widely regarded as one of the greatest batsmen in cricket history and helped elevate Sri Lankan cricket to new heights during his era. His leadership, both on and off the field, inspired a generation of Sri Lankan cricketers.
Career Honours
- ICC Cricket World Cup 2014 T20 (Sri Lanka)
- ICC Champions Trophy 2014
- Test centuries record (4 consecutive 2015)
- Wisden Cricketer of Year 2012
- ICC Player of Year 2012
- ICC ODI Player of Year 2012
| Club | Period | Matches | Runs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nondescripts CC | 1997–2015 | 143 | 13421 |
| Surrey | 2010–2013 | 34 | 2551 |
| Durham | 2014–2017 | — | — |