Dubai: It was a double strike by Sri Lanka's Kumar Sangakkara during the ICC awards in London Monday. He not only bagged the One-day International (ODI) Player of the Year award, but also LG People's Choice Award.
Fans voted for the hard working cricketer over South Africa's Hashim Amla, England's Jonathan Trott, West Indies' Chris Gayle and Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni.
Sangakkara won their hearts not only through his batting, but his mannerisms as a cricketer.
The factors that the fans had to look forward in judging a cricketer before they voted were qualities like innovation, dynamism, strength in decision-making, performing well under pressure and executing a plan to distinction.
A cricketer also have to demonstrate an ability to engage spectators and should embody the game's unique spirit, both on and off field.
Qualities
Sangakkara displayed all these qualities during the period he played.
Sangakkara played 25 ODIs and compiled 1,049 runs at an average of 55.21, including one century and seven half-centuries.
As wicketkeeper, he also took 36 victims comprising 26 catches and 10 stumpings. He also shrewdly led his country to the World Cup final in Mumbai.
Though his team lost in the final, Sangakkara held his head high and fought gallantly exhibiting excellent sportsmanship.
Sangakkara won the hearts of the fans not through his performance as a player alone, but his gentle character.
The maturity he showed as captain — accepting defeats and victories without being carried away was a treat to watch.
One of his most important qualities is his articulateness during press conferences. He chooses the right words to express his views and his speech on Sri Lanka's struggle to fame at Lord's during the MCC Spirit of Cricket Lecture at Lord's this year stands out as the best speech ever made by a captain.
After receiving the trophy for People's Choice, he said: "It's a great privilege to win this award especially since it was voted for by the fans. I would like to thank all of you, not just those who voted for me but everyone who come, day in and day out, to watch us play. We will continue doing our best to entertain you and keep attracting more and more fans to see this wonderful sport."
Instead of taking the credit for himself after winning the ODI player award, he attributed his success to his teammates.
"I would like to thank the rest of my team-mates, they have done a great job over the years in one-day cricket and I am privileged to be part of this and led these guys for just over two years. I thank you again, I feel very very proud," he said.
That's Sangakkara, the gentleman cricketer.
