#ThankYouSanga: Cricket World Pays Tribute To Kumar Sangakkara On His Retirement

As soon as he broke into the Sri Lankan side at the age of 22, it was apparent that Kumar Sangakkara was destined for more than just a wicketkeeper-batsman. To say he is just a great player and a great professional is an understatement, perhaps.

Putting Sri Lanka’s interests ahead of his individual goals, he was always happy and used to enjoy the success of others. Sangakkara’s remarkable numbers over the last decade put him right up with Sachin and Dravid. Probably, one of the greatest batsman the game has ever seen.

The world of cricket united to pay tribute to the legend and the hashtag #ThankYouSanga was used to salute the man who gave us so much to remember.

Plenty of cricket stars from both past and present joined in the celebrations.

1. Legends are always appreciated

Guess the time comes for everyone but #Sangakkara can be proud because he enriched our game. #SLvsInd

— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) August 23, 2015

 

2. What his best friend had to say about him

It wasn’t to be in this match but what he was for SL cricket is some thing that you can’t take away. Very proud of you mate. @KumarSanga2

— Mahela Jayawardena (@MahelaJay) August 23, 2015

 

3. No matter what. You just can’t hate him.

Congrats @KumarSanga2 on an outstanding career. It was a pleasure playing against & with you mate.Have a fulfilling retired life:) #Legend

— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) August 23, 2015

 

4. Well said. It’s the end of an era and the start of a new one

The End of a golden era. …The final walk back… well done @KumarSanga2 It’s gone very quite here in Colombo pic.twitter.com/eSlEmqKzNe

— Russel Arnold (@RusselArnold69) August 23, 2015

 

5. A very nice gesture from Team India

Virat’s Team India sends the legend off with handshakes, warmth and respect. #FarewellSanga #SLvsIND pic.twitter.com/xilOqWskWC

— BCCI (@BCCI) August 23, 2015

 

6. An unassuming gentleman of the game

A gentleman beyond the game well played @KumarSanga2 you are legend thank u for memories?✌️?

— Suresh Raina (@ImRaina) August 23, 2015

 

7. This comes from another legend

Well played @KumarSanga2. You have been a terrific ambassador for the game & a thorough gentleman. Warm welcome to the club of the Retired!

— sachin tendulkar (@sachin_rt) August 23, 2015

 

8. If cricket is the gentleman’s game, then you are one of those gentlemen

.@KumarSanga2 is dismissed for 18 in his final Test innings. An end to an incredible career #ThankYouSanga #Legend pic.twitter.com/YGmWV9auSG

— cricket.com.au (@CricketAus) August 23, 2015

9. And a message from the captain of India, Virat Kohli

Here’s a pic of #TeamIndia skipper @imVkohli‘s message to @KumarSanga2 #ThankYouSanga pic.twitter.com/iMKOHKd99P

— BCCI (@BCCI) August 24, 2015

Here’s how Sanga’s fans reacted after his farewell innings:

 

9. Such a moving tribute

This gave me tears as well as a smile.. We will Include him Amongst these legends.. #ThankYouSanga #SangaSignsOff pic.twitter.com/0D48P1znJV

— Shakoor Sajid (@loku_mahathaya) August 23, 2015

 

10. This tweet practically sums it up

12400 runs, 38 100s, 11 200s, Average: 57.5. One of the modern day greats! #Champ #ThankYouSanga

— Srini Mama (@SriniMama16) August 23, 2015

 

11. Sanga walks back for one final time

Finally Sangakkara walks back one last time, ending his Test career with 12400 runs, averaging 57.41 #ThankYouSanga pic.twitter.com/vaYI9rMi6d

— Sujan Rao (@sujanrao) August 23, 2015

 

And this is what the man himself had to say:

Thank you for all the love. Been my privilege to play for my country and in front of all the fans.

— Kumar Sangakkara (@KumarSanga2) August 23, 2015

As Rahul Dravid puts it, “To replace Sangakkara the man will be a bigger challenge than to replace Sangakkara the cricketer.”

Sanga, you beauty. Cricket will miss you. Best wishes for your future.