Cricket greats hail Kumar Sangakkara as 'great player, great person and a hero'

Kumar Sangakkara (L) and Brian Lara (R) chat after a press conference, in Melbourne on October 3, 2005. Picture/ AFP

Former Sri Lanka cricketer Kumar Sangakkara was recently inducted into the prestigious ICC Hall of Fame, earlier this month.

Congratulating Kumar Sangakkara on being inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame, Brian Lara, a Star Sports Select Dugout expert, said "Kumar Sangakkara, unlike many batsmen, prevailed in all conditions, against all bowling attacks around the world. And most importantly, he did it in their backyard, not just his. Kumar Sangakkara on many occasions have amazed me, but the one that stands out the most was his four consecutive centuries in the 2015 ICC World Cup in Australia. That was something to behold. Just out of the world. Congratulations to you Kumar Sangakkara on being inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame. Welcome."

Congratulating Kumar Sangakkara on being inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame, Brett Lee said, "I want to say a big congratulations to Kumar Sangakkara for being inducted to the ICC Hall of Fame. What a legend of a guy, what a legend of a cricketer, geez, we had our battles in the field, but a terrific guy on and off the field. Played with absolute heart and passion. That's what Test cricket is all about - And even different formats of the game as well. We were also teammates, playing for the Kings XI Punjab in the first IPL, back in 2008. A terrific guy. Congratulations, Mate! I'm looking forward to celebrating and catch up next."

Congratulating Kumar Sangakkara on being inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame, Mathew Hayden said, "True testimony to your skill, your mindset, your leadership, your overall ability to be able to control, play in a balanced statesmanlike manner; makes you absolutely hands down. I think one of the finest recipients of this fantastic award."

Congratulating Kumar Sangakkara on being inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame, Kevin Pietersen said, "Kumar Sangakkara inducted into the Hall of Fame, it just makes me smile. Great person, a great player, wonderful for the game. And he just does so much. He is a hero in Sri Lanka. He is a hero around the world. Buddy congratulations, amazing. Quite outstanding. What an achievement. You and your family must be so proud of you and I know how much it means to you."

Kumar Sangakkara played 134 Tests and scored 12,400 runs (6th highest overall) at an average of 57.40. He is the highest run-scorer for Sri Lanka in Tests. He also has 182 catches and 20 stumpings to his name in Tests.

In ODIs, he is the second-highest run-scorer with 14,234 runs only behind Sachin Tendulkar. Sanga's average in ODIs is 41.98 with 25 centuries and 93 fifties.

Sangakkara retired from T20I cricket in April 2014 and the following year in March, he retired from ODIs.

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