Dubai: Kumar Sangakkara is not just one among the greatest batsmen in world cricket today but one of the most knowledgeable cricketers in the game. Cricket should consider itself lucky to have such a genius because he can play any role with elegance on and off the field.

For Sri Lanka, he is not merely their most experienced and consistent batsman but also their statesman. He is a role model for the new generation and the hope of millions of fans. Thirty-seven-year-old Sangakkara is nearing the end of his career but he has been shattering batting records with such regularity that not only Sri Lankan fans but cricket lovers around the world are hoping that he remains fit and plays for a few more years.

Last week, Sangakkara notched up his 11th double century in Test cricket to place himself one short of the legendary Don Bradman’s record of 12 double centuries. This landmark may tempt him to delay his retirement and considering his scintillating form he is sure to achieve Bradmanesque glory before he hangs up his boots.

Eloquent

Sangakkara can not only enthrall fans with his strokeplay but also with his eloquence. He is so well read that his observations on the match during press conferences have always been a reporter’s delight.

If Sangakkara chooses to serve Sri Lankan cricket as an administrator, then the game in his country will surely benefit. His speech at Lord’s during the MCC Spirit of Cricket Cowdrey lecture in 2011 reveals his in-depth knowledge about the game. During the speech he candidly hit out at his cricket board saying: “Accountability and transparency in administration and credibility of conduct were lost in a mad power struggle that would leave Sri Lankan cricket with no clear, consistent administration,”

Sangakkara can also inspire with his vision. One of his remarks in the Cowdrey’s lecture speech on his team was: “We were no longer timid or soft or minnows. We had played and beaten the best in the world. We had done that without pretence or shame in a manner that highlighted and celebrated our national values, our collective cultures and habits. It was a brand of cricket we were proud to call our own, a style with local spirit and flair embodying all that was good in our heritage.”

Sangakkara showed how senior players can transform a team into a formidable force by fostering an intimate friendship with Mahela Jayawardene. The result was that together they had huge partnerships in many an innings.

Great friendship

Once when Sangakkara was asked about his relationship with Jayawardene, he said: “There were a lot of things I learnt off Mahela like how he handled the dressing room, the seniors and the way he carried himself. It was great to be able to chit-chat about that and then to cement the friendship by spending a lot of time together.” The result was a 624 runs partnership against South Africa in 2006 which remains the highest-ever partnership for any wicket in first-class cricket.

Sangakkara has iron will and stamina. After keeping wickets for hours, very often he had to be at the batting crease within the first five overs as he batted at the No.3 slot and rarely did he return to pavilion without playing a long innings. Most of his centuries have resulted in Sri Lanka’s victory. He has the highest number of man of the match awards in Test cricket and by becoming the fastest batsman to reach 8,000, 9,000, 11,000 and 12,000 runs in Tests, he has proved his consistency.

Once settled, he is the toughest batsman to dismiss. His 58 centuries is ample proof his remarkable patience.

Sangakkara once remarked: “Cricket is a funny game. We have legends and living legends but the game does not stop for anyone.”

It holds true for Sangakkara too.