Sangakkara notches 100th Test match:

Super leader with the charmed bat!

M.V. Muhsin

Kumar Sangakkara earned the encomiums of the cricketing world and made history for the brilliance with which he structured and delivered his speech to an awe struck audience at the MCC in July this year. It not only made headlines in the global media, it also entered the record books of world cricket. And tomorrow, he walks through the portals of history once again as he plays in his 100th test match representing Sri Lanka, a feat that speaks for his prowess as it does for his consistency as a first rate and classy cricketer.

As a leader and a Captain, as a batsman who has been ranked No. 1 in the world many a time, as a wicketkeeper whose steely eyes and gloves with magnetic powers that attracts leather, Kumar Sangakkara has etched his name in the folklore of our country.

He now joins the illustrious foursome of Sanath Jayasuriya, Muttiah Muralitharan, Chaminda Vass and Mahela Jayawardene who have all notched the awesome 100 Test Match feat.

They are cricketers with a sustainable grit, consistency and staying power that we can draw lessons from as we go through the emotions of a Sri Lankan team that is performing below par and bearing the brunt of sharp criticism. But if one cares to walk down the memory lane of the illustrious players who have figured in 100 Test encounters, one will find that it was not a simple walk in the park.

There were ups and downs in the teams that they played in. But without exception, one finds that each of them played a major role to inspire others with belief in themselves; to inject courage into their teammates; and to inculcate a “can do” attitude that helped them surmount all obstacles.

The Sri Lankan team that is currently going through the trials and tribulations of “change” will do well to draw lesson from these great cricketers and stay the course.

Belief in one’s self was the guiding spirit that characterized the performance of Sangakkara. Many are the occasions that when the chips were down the opportunity was seized by Sangakkara- not only to stay at the crease but rise to the occasion and turn the tide and to turn things around.

When there was work to be done, Sangakkara was there to do it. And yes, do it in style : displaying an ability to see and treat each ball on its own merit; to clear the grounds when the opportunity presents by picking his spots; to play things down when the pressure is on and give the bowler a tactical over-confidence that results in some laxity-and then Cape Diem-size the opportunity.

One cannot forget how he once punished the Indians scoring 50 in 46 balls —-7 boundaries and 3 sixes off some of India’s best bowling.

There were many feats but this was simply outstanding.

Some Sri Lankans, coming as many Sri Lankans do from a superstitious stock, speculated that his bat was charmed!

If batting was the charm that Sangakkara was renowned for, then wicket keeping was the unsung attribute that he displayed with nonchalance.

His steely eyes, dexterity in darting and clutching and unfailing ability gave so much inspiration and encouragement to the toiling bowlers defined the greatness of this player.

But it was when he was called upon to LEAD, that the real talent of Sangakkara showed up.

For here was a young man who from his school days at Trinity where he was the Head Prefect and Best All Rounder’s Gold Medalist, displaying how people should be led by getting the best out of them.

That was the secret of his success. Yes, while on many occasions Sangakkara himself shone brilliantly with his charmed bat, it was his infectious enthusiasm to give of his best that drove others to give of their best. He had a magnetic resonance in both heart and mind with his team players who understood what the Captain expected of them and engendered a loyalty that bound the team together.

He was as tough as he was empathetic..silk and steel were employed in the way he tackled emotional situations in the inevitable psychological aspects of team and individual dynamics.

Lest one is faulted for going overboard: Yes, there was one failing in the World Cup final where it was clear that his sprit was crumbling as the match slipped.

But to those of us who regarded him with supernatural powers, it brought home the reality that he was also human and had his own emotions that made him real.

But today and hopefully for many more test matches to come, we see Sangakkara as that Star on the cricketing firmament whose dazzle and radiance and brilliance will illuminate the hearts and minds of Sri Lankan cricketers.