Kumar Sangakkara isn’t just a Sri Lankan cricket legend—he’s a statesman of the game, admired globally for his elegance, intellect, and integrity. Born on October 27, 1977, in Matale and raised in Kandy, Sangakkara combined academic brilliance with cricketing genius. A product of Trinity College, he was as comfortable debating in school halls as he was facing express pace at the crease. Making his international debut in 2000, Sangakkara brought a level of sophistication to batting that Sri Lanka hadn’t seen before. As a left-hander, his cover drives were like brushstrokes—precise, graceful, and devastatingly effective. Over the next 15 years, he became one of the most prolific batsmen of the modern era, scoring over 28,000 international runs across formats. As a wicketkeeper-batsman, his contributions were immense. He formed a legendary partnership with Mahela Jayawardene, both on and off the field, helping Sri Lanka to the 2007 and 2011 World Cup finals, and the T20 World Cup title in 2014. Sangakkara’s record includes 63 international centuries, and his consistency, especially in Test cricket, was astonishing—he averaged over 57 in Tests. But Sangakkara’s legacy goes beyond numbers. As captain, he led with calm authority and was a unifier during turbulent times in Sri Lankan cricket. His 2011 MCC Spirit of Cricket Cowdrey Lecture, where he spoke about the role of cricket in post-war Sri Lanka, was hailed as one of the most powerful speeches ever delivered by a sportsman. After retiring in 2015, Sangakkara remained deeply involved with the game. He played county cricket for Surrey, served as President of the MCC (the first non-British person to do so), and became a respected commentator and mentor. He is also a powerful advocate for education, human rights, and sports integrity. Off the field, he’s known for his humility, grace, and deep love for Sri Lanka. Whether defending spin in Galle or addressing the Lords’ Long Room, Sangakkara always carried himself with dignity. He remains one of cricket’s most articulate voices—proof that the game can produce not just great athletes, but great minds.