Kumar Sangakkara names his batting heroes and most difficult fast bowlers he has ever faced

Whenever we think of the best batsmen to take on the field during the 21st century, Kumar Sangakkara’s is one of the names that come to our mind. His artistry and footwork was a treat to the eyes. Also, his flamboyance on the offside was always applauded. The left-handers are often known as the prettiest beasts in cricket and Sangakkara one of the prettiest among them as well.

The former Sri Lankan captain was master at playing spin being a subcontinent giant but his proficiency against the world-class speedsters can never be questioned as well. The southpaw formed a formidable partnership with Mahela Jayawardene and two took the Sri Lankan team to great heights during the period of late 2000s and early 2010s.

Arguably, the greatest wicket-keeping batsman, Sangakkara is the second-highest run-scorer in ODIs. He can be often seen as a part of the eleven whenever a current or a former cricketer forms an imaginary all-time eleven. The left-hander had a class of himself and his calm nature has always helped everybody around him. The famous picture of him smiling as India lifts the World Cup 2011 after Dhoni’s six is a mere example of the great sportsmanship he possessed.

The great batsman is known as one of the best people off the field as well. Also, he can be often heard talking in an articulate manner about systemic injustices on oppressed minorities, endorsing peace and communal unity in his country.

1996 Sri Lanka World-Cup winning side inspired me to play international cricket: Kumar Sangakkara

In his ‘Q&A’ session with fans on Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) official Twitter handle, the former cricketer was asked to name his favourite batsmen. Sangakkara, who is the current president of MCC as well, unhesitantly mentioned two great Caribbeans. He named Brian Lara and Vivian Richards for the same.

“It was Sir Viv Richards up until Brian Lara came around – since then they shared equal importance on my list,” Sangakkara replied.

“Sir Viv Richards and Brian Lara were my batting heroes. I’d say the 1996 Sri Lanka World-Cup winning side inspired me to play international cricket too,” he added.

Notably, whenever we talk about the best left-handed batsman of the game, Sangakkara and Brian Lara are always at the top. A lot of discussions and analysis have been made on who was better but it is difficult to a conclusion. The Caribbean was always attacking the bowlers and the Sri Lankan never hammered anyone but sliced and drove them out of the picture.

The legendary player who was recognized as a nightmare for the bowlers was also asked which bowlers troubled him the most. The Asian cricketer named Wasim Akram and Zaheer Khan for the same. Interestingly both the pacers were left-hander.

“Wasim Akram was a nightmare to face. Zaheer Khan, I faced many times and was extremely difficult also,” he said.