Sydney: Retiring Sri Lanka star Kumar Sangakkara walked off the field a sad man after playing the last innings of his spectacular one-day career on Wednesday.
A fifth consecutive century may have been achievable had he received support from the other end, but his innings ended five runs short of a half-century.
Sangakkara was not disappointed at not getting a century or at an abrupt end to his one-day career, but he was frustrated at his country squandering the chance to win a second World Cup title.
“Someone has got to lose in a quarter-final — it’s a do-or-die situation,” he said. “It could have been my last game, it could have been any one of the games that I’ve played. I don’t think that makes a huge difference or adds to the disappointment.
“I think it’s just a case of just taking stock of what we did and how we did it. There’s another four-year wait for the next World Cup and we have a lot of people in the dressing room who would have learnt a lot from this World Cup. That will stand them in good stead going forward.
“Personally I’ve had a great time playing with these boys. Disappointments are a part of our career and you just take it on the chin and move on.”
When asked why is he walking away while on top form, the 37-year-old veteran of 404 One Day Internationals said: “Retiring from cricket is not about form. To me personally it never is.
“I’m sure I could play maybe a year or two more, but it’s the time and place and I feel that the time is now and it’s right at the World Cup with a four-year wait until the next one. I’m pretty happy with the decision I’ve made.
“I’ve tried to give everything I have when I’ve played the game, and you know the game goes on.
“People shouldn’t be too sentimental. I love the support that they’ve given me over the years and I’ve become a lot better person and a player because of that support and love. But I think a lot better players and greater players have gone and the game has gone on. There are new players who take the mantle and in my case it won’t be any different.”
Sangakkara also expressed his delight over having been able to play with Mahela Jayawardene, who also played his last ODI match on Wednesday.
“It’s been a great privilege. He’s been along with Aravinda de Silva. I think Mahela has been an exceptional player for Sri Lanka who’s scored a lot of runs. He’s made a hundred in a lot of victories and he’s given a lot on and off the field to the country. So I think he’s going to be sorely missed.
“You know, he can look back and really appreciate what he’s been given by the country, the support he’s been given, but also what he’s given back. I’m sure he’s going to be thoroughly disappointed today, but also sometimes there is a bit of relief as well when your career ends.
“The high-pressure situations, the warm-ups, the ice baths, the recovery sessions, all of that, all repeated over 16, 17 years can get a bit much. But, like I said, time to look at other things and other aspects of life.”
When asked how he would like to be remembered, Sangakkara said: “If anyone can say that they’ve enjoyed playing against me and playing with me, I’ll be more than happy.”
