Kumar Sangakkara: Former International Cricketer | Full Q&A | Oxford Union

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Kumar Sangakkara is a former Sri Lankan cricketer and former captain of the Sri Lankan national cricket team in all three formats of the game. He is the second-highest international run scorer of all time and, at the point of retirement, the sixth highest run scorer in test cricket history. Sangakkara was Man of the Match in the 2014 ICC World T20 final, winning Sri Lanka their maiden title. He was the first and only non-English President of the Marylebone Cricket Club. He currently coaches Rajasthan Royals in the Indian Premier League.
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[@Senaabeyguaratne]

It means Cricket is a Game for so called " Gentlemen " & really Sanga had totally showed & proved its True . Being a Sri Lankan plus a cricketer from the Hill Country where Sanga was born & bread, This Maestro is,The Legend of my cricket . Respect & Very Much Proud of you, Sir Kumar Sangakkara.🇱🇰💝💖 !!!

[@vijayafernando1]

Kumar's philosophy is so helpful for everyone and for life in general.

[@n.w.goonewardena6147]

You are evaluating😂😂

[@n.w.goonewardena6147]

You mean his philosopy and values of making money at all cost, is it?

[@n.w.goonewardena6147]

When did he get a knighthood? Or, were you a servant in his home to call him SIR?

[@ilyashussain4631]

I had the honor of watching him play. I had the honor of listening to him speak at Oxford!

[@dilumjayasinghe9031]

wow you are very lucky 😊

[@n.w.goonewardena6147]

So what? You mean you had the honor of listening to him pretending to be an intellectual? He is, undeniably, THE GREAT PRETENDER!

[@devindawanigasinghedevin-fh9sb]

Sanagakkara will never be replaced means not only by his talent but also his enormous personality and the way he maintains his gentlemanship ❤

[@n.w.goonewardena6147]

Really? Is there a word calles GENTLEMANSHIP? Must be a new kind of ship? Fools praising fools.

[@hash_lk]

29:25 This is the reason that Sri lankan cricket Fans are different & Unique from all other Asian cricket fans. They know how to deal with famous people in proper manner ❤💯

[@buddhikagajanayake6394]

Only a few

[@n.w.goonewardena6147]

Is that why the cricket administrators treated Bandula Warpuna? Making him captain, match by match. Whereas, when Dulip Mendis came after that he was made captain fot all the matches against India? It is people like you who hardly know anything about cricket who give accolades to the undeserving.

[@PrasannahGaneshan]

One of the gentlemen of Cricket, a great Ambassador for Sri Lanka. Humble and down to earth as always, a great speaker as much as he's a great cricketer.

[@ruchiraekanayaka6199]

Roger Federer of Cricket ❤

[@yasendrahettiarachchi5248]

As a Sri lankan I’m very proud to see our very own icon AKA sanga in here. Such a gentleman he is and an amazing player ❤❤

[@sahasdulmina4783]

ටොපිය විකුණල සල්ලි හම්බ කරන ගෑණිව විකුණල සල්ලි හම්බ කරන මූ... ජරාපක්ෂලගේ ප්‍රධාන බිස්නස් පාට්නර්ලගෙන් එකෙක් , බොල. අනික ගෑණු මාරු කරන මහේලයා.

[@81179venky]

What a ridiculously good speaker for a cricketer…thoroughly enjoyed this.

[@kapilajayasinghe4212]

6❤

[@n.w.goonewardena6147]

RIDICULOUSLY good speaker. You must be correct because RIDICULOUS more or less means ABSURD. Yes, he must be an absurd speaker who says the obvious.

[@dangodas]

I have never found such a character in the world of cricket. Salute to Kumar sangarkara, a learned cricketer and a person.

[@NemysisPrime]

There are quiet many ppl.... Rahul dravid.... Kumble.. ABD....

[@mohamedafnan5424]

Living Legend Kumar Sangakkara ❤

[@sahasdulmina4783]

Sangakkara has a a very very greedy behaviour for earning money anyhow. It is a shame to our motherland Sri Lanka. 💯💯👎

[@mohamedafnan5424]

@@sahasdulmina4783 I think, he is so not. I hearing these blame first time. The whole nation accepting him for do anything. Because he achieved anything. So I think he no need to earn money with greedy. Sanga is Pride of Asia

[@sahasdulmina4783]

@@mohamedafnan5424 He is one of the main business partners of Rajapaksha family and greedy towards money like muslims. 🤮

[@randheeraherath4702]

@@sahasdulmina4783 Just shut up bro 😂 He's done enough for the country what more do you want?

[@sahasdulmina4783]

@@randheeraherath4702 ගෑණිව දෙයියන්නාන්සේලාට රෙදි නැතුව කඩේ ඇරල කෝටි ගාණක් හම්බ කල පකඩය ඌ. එක පාරක් මුලු රටටම ජරා ඇනිලින් පොවන්න දැගලුව. ඊළඟට කෝටි ගානකට විදල එයාර්ටෙල් එකට මාරු උනා. ජරාපක්ෂලගේ බිස්නස් පාට්නර් කැරියව දෙකට නමල තොගේ පුකේ ගහගං ගුඩ්බායි...

[@PlanetFirst]

Mother Sri Lanka is proud to have a son like you.

[@ratnayakemp762]

What a gift from God to have a person like Sangkkara .we as srilankan very proud of you

[@cperera910]

@@ratnayakemp762 Thought Jerome Fernando had to do lot with that. According to his wife her praying with Jerome made him who he is today.

[@nuwanthilina9]

​@@cperera910 😂😂😂

[@studysmart4620]

Good to see you legend. Lots of love and respect from Bangladesh 🇧🇩♥️

[@malinduramanayaka5208]

Always a pleasure to listen to your interviews. Articulate and effortless. Bravo man ! You make us feel really proud to be Sri Lankans. Absolute gentleman. Loved watching him bat. Could now happily listen to him for hours ❤

[@nishanthravindrakumar6141]

My all time fav batsman from nepal

[@anyonmusaspirant]

He is from Sri Lanka

[@arshedfazal]

He’s from Sri Lanka bung

[@arvindhmani06]

@@anyonmusaspirant Pretty sure he meant he himself is from Nepal

[@najeebamakeen3935]

Yes He meant himself from Nepal

[@pinithatissaarachchi5973]

​@@arvindhmani06 yeah😂

[@ashikurrahman4738]

True legend of the game. Respect from Bangladesh!

[@jamperera7051]

Humble man. He wasn't late... He represented SL U 17/ 19 to Youth World Cup in Malaysia

[@vijayafernando1]

I am glad you quoted that because i vaguely remember he was a rising star then! Kumar is modesty himself!

[@theresenilmini]

Really Legend❤️ Proud to have a Sri Lankan like you dear Sanga😇 Try to teach your qualities to our younger generation please. God bless you🙏

[@niro__dj]

I had the luck of watching Sanga play on a number of occasions here in the UK and sat and listened to perhaps his most memorable moment, that being the Cowdrey Lecture of 2011. It was a truly emotional speech, delivered with a typically erudite style and at points, spoke real truth to power too. The whole speech is on KZbin if you haven't seen it, and should be classed as a seminal moment in not just the history of Sri Lankan cricket but also in the lifespan of world cricket. ❤

[@yadaveaugustine3961]

what a personality .... Real Sri Lankan

[@n.w.goonewardena6147]

Sri Lankan whose only objective in life is to make loads and loads of money

[@malathysri1151]

My favourite person and also good human being ❤

[@quintusfernando7396]

World Class Man*** Excellent English *** Do not force children to *** Become Doctors & Engineers only **** Allow them to do *** What they can do best****

[@adrianperera9098]

Agree but unfortunately parents don't support there kids when they try new things

[@quintusfernando7396]

@@adrianperera9098 That is utter foolishness *** See Raveen Kanishka *** That is why USA is so advanced ***

[@kavindualwis6743]

Just give him the knighthood. What a personality. Forever an icon of the game of cricket.

[@n.w.goonewardena6147]

He can be given a knighthood for mercilessly making money.

[@ifazahamed8288]

My All time favourite cricketer ♥️ One of the finest and a Brilliant player from Sri Lanka 🇱🇰👌🏻

[@tharindurajapaksha4656]

Most favorite person in my life.Sanga ❤️❤️❤️

[@pathtohappiness4711]

What a wonderful way to see this dedicated, devoted, humble with sheer determined world class cricketer who proved greatness in the field and out of it is remarkable. His grand father and father both shown their legal carriers with noble manner which speaks volumes. As an Oxonian and former cricketer always embrace this lovely game that taught us so much lessons in order to mould our characters. Greatly appreciate Kumar and our Oxford Union. Best wishes from the Principal, Path & Co Consultancy Team ...

[@lamithperera8760]

Wow, what a honor. I feel proud as a Sri Lankan.

[@ashrafjehangirqazi1497]

A world class sportsman and a profound thinker is a rare combination. He has so much more to contribute to his country and indeed the world. He should not allow his innate modesty to constrain or restrain him.

[@harisdharmasiri2819]

Very analytical and flowing answers. Sri lanka is fortunate to have a person of your calibre. ❤ 🇱🇰👏👏👏

[@rasithvidusara5868]

Kumar sangakka 🥰🥰🥰

[@dakshasshrishanth2207]

As a TRINITIAN I’m very proud to see our very own icon AKA sanga in here.🔴🟠⚫

[@jayclarke6671]

This is a great thing Oxford is doing.

[@russelkleyn2805]

My all time favourite. The most eloquent cricketer, love the manner in which he articulate his response to every question thrown his way. True legend. Pride of Sri Lanka !!

[@riyasliyakath201]

He is not only Gem of SLC and he is real Gem of all international cricket 🙌🔥❤️

[@nuwanthilina9]

Such a fine gentleman, with a vast capacity of knowledge. It's a privilege to listen to you dear Sanga. Hats Off!

[@naveeshafernando3196]

Dude idk how i got into this video ...but i'm glad that i've come for it....there's always something different with you sanga even in your sporting days ...... I admire you very much ..... cheers for a healthy life...❤

[@Binada_]

one of goats and legends in cricket...my favorite alltime cricket batsman..much love sanga

[@malakamunasinghe]

What an orator...Take a bow sir.....👏👏👏

[@sasankakasun]

Living Legend Kumar Sangakkara

[@menakadias4287]

He used to be my favourite cricketer. A real gentleman. ❤️ Proud of you Sanga!

[@Eagleeye644]

What a wonderful set of responses by great Kumar to all the questions from the interviewer and also those from the audience. Absolutely spot on and inspiring Kumar and questions by those young students were also great. ❤💯💢👍👍👍

[@Damrotea]

"It was an incredible experience, his personality is truly captivating, and time seems to fly by when you're listening to him. He exudes a gentlemanly demeanor, and the eloquence with which he speaks keeps us enthralled, holding us in rapt attention. It's simply astonishing." I'm really proud as a Sri Lankan ..

[@RK-oq3bx]

We fondly called him "Sanga", it's a lengthy discussion with touching many fields of interest. One thing is sure that he had the best parental guide, the best college to groom well and last he has the best siblings, friends and fans to love his performances in the field and off the field.

[@hasangaAbhyawardena98921]

wow what a legend he is. Want to see you and mahela as srilankan coaches

[@jamsteracton]

His command of the English language is impressive, especially for a non-native speaker.

[@Shivanth123]

He is a native English speaker in SL

[@ssachlescrutolf]

It's because of his school.

[@msmashik]

So much of wisdom Miss him in Cricket

[@yasithgallage6355]

Sanga is bigger than life and cricket itself. what a legend

[@wizardms33]

I think besides being a Batsman, he was an excellent leader and Character, I remember his loss to some final in T20 World Cup and he spoke to people in his language. He was so beautifully heard and given applause that, all appreciated him and his team. Wonderful personality No match All time best None to follow

[@kaushalyafernando7185]

Great gentleman and proud of you as a Sri Lankan. God bless you 🙏 ❤

[@jackperry6269]

this man is so much better to listen to than anyone in the Australian team. I could listen to Sanga all day. Most of the Aussies are simply garbage.

[@fashanferoze1169]

Wonderful character rather than cricketer. Actually he’s legend no doubt about that. Your experience like a motivation

[@mikeZL3XD7029]

Kumar Sangakkara, The best man to ever grace a cricket field. His attitude and general outlook on life is something that we all should behold.

[@AppleSriLanka]

Self awareness, grow.passion, have a lifelong coach to raise you up.

[@dushmantha25]

His speach absolutely inspiring. Thanks for inviting him Oxford Union.

[@ranjitgulavita770]

G'day Sangers, You make me feel proud to be srilankan amid all the excreta going on in my poor motherland.

[@Jayanddeelk]

Legend Sanga!

[@farisrahmaniac6093]

Sri Lankan Pride🇱🇰 We are proud, for being the truly GOAT ❤️❤️🙏

[@NalindaAbeywardhana]

Proud of you legend sangakkara ..🎉

[@dileenijayatileke5712]

Very proud of u Sanga. Keep the flag flying for SL, when so many others have brought the reputation of our country to naught. From the UK.

[@rawitamudiyanselagethilaka186]

Im proud about him as a sri lankan Thank you for telling to the world who we are and what we want now

[@naveenfernando6879]

Its been a privilege to listen this kind of speech and i believe no other cricketer can deliver such kind of speech..

[@fmnishad1]

We proud of you sanga. You are a gem of Sri Lanka

[@MukeshPanicker]

One of my favorite batsmen. Amazing personality too.

[@jacobrogerstone]

A great player with true gentlemanly qualities in the gentleman's game.👏

[@anilkalugala4391]

Great speech mr. Sangakkara❤& respect U👍 I’m Sri Lankan from uk 🇱🇰🇬🇧

[@udarajayawardena2018]

Sanga always Pure Class 🧡❤

[@blacksheepstudios7107]

Sanga is not a name it's an emotion. ❤

[@desinguwaadugep1971]

One of the best cricket stars I have seen in my life. He is not unlike Sir Donald Bradmond, who is a world-class talent. Long life to him and great pride to our country.

[@jsjshdhdjdshsjak6097]

Living legend ❤️ world best batsman.

[@ridmajayaweera7776]

Legend ❤🇱🇰

[@cjayasinghe]

Kumar sangakkara is Well deciplined and worth person for sri lanka . Thank you oxperd union for having him.❤

[@raiyanislam1844]

Kumar sangakara was an absolute legend of the game on the field. An institutions on and off the field. Take Love from Bamgladesh 🇧🇩

[@kanchanakaushalya4003]

What he told about the Sri Lankan fans and how we felt about cricket is very true. He understands it very deeply. That makes me cry. We love you Sanga. Forever!

[@nipunvikasithawidanapathir4362]

One of the legend of the cricket Fav cricketer ❤️ 🇱🇰

[@Aatish_44]

*I've never had the fortune to watch him playing live as I was very young but I must say that he was not just a great batsman but perhaps the best brain in the cricket fraternity! Sheer Intellectual depth* ❤

[@slbeachessrilanka]

Happy to see him❤❤❤❤

[@dhanushamannapperuma]

Legend of Sri Lankan Cricket💖💖

[@amilajayalath9080]

Most respected Gentlemen of the world of cricket Great Kumar Sangakkara 🏏

[@islander_kool_kat]

Easily one the most under rated cricketers of the modern era. Perhaps also one of the most knowledgable and most articulate cricketers of the modern professional era.

[@markthrimawithana276]

Thank you for sharing your insight and life experience.

[@erandajanaka3790]

OMG. The English, Accent took my breath away.🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔❤❤👍👍

[@elankochelliah1277]

A true gentleman on and off the field. Love you my great Sanga

[@fgrzm]

Adore Respect Love him as person and cricketer. ❤😘

[@janakaprasad8449]

Thank you for everything !

[@chethiyaprabhashana900]

A greatest personality

[@maneesha4224]

Legend❤

[@user-sy3dg1vk4x]

WONDERFUL PRESENTATION AND EVENT ORGANIZED BY OXFORD UNION

[@ranukaperera2689]

Kumar sangakara is legend in cricket world and his spoken english is superb ❤🥰❤️🤩

[@monirvlog5262]

He's a Legend of Cricket

[@chamikarapswijesinghe5105]

Dear God, All I want is to be able to talk like Kumar Sangakkara.. So flawless.. Can listen to this guy forever. Big FAN.!

[@SamMZ52]

The way he express himself is very impressive!!

[@ude3333]

Such eloquent talk ❤

[@sunilkeerthirathne426]

His English accents are all natural. My question is how he build a such capability

[@Elizabeth-jk4yj]

Lol it's easy and his English isn't that amazing, it's just srilankan accent. And u just speak bad English

[@sujeewasampath5695]

That’s problem I have, Astonishing… speaks like a native language ❤❤ such a inspiring personality … Much love ❤️

[@sunilkeerthirathne426]

@@sujeewasampath5695If I get any chance to meet him. First i ll ask that question

[@braveheart5696]

Answer : Family background - Father and Grandfather were both brilliant well spoken men. Grandfather was a doctor and well known sports benefactor. Father a renowned lawyer. Kumar Sanga himself was a voracious reader and English lit student who studied at one of The best schools in the country which was administered at various times by British educationists. Kumar's OL results were 8 out of 8 A passes and 4 out of 4 A passes at his A Levels. He won the Ryde Gold medal awarded to the Best overall student at his school in his final year.

[@sunilkeerthirathne426]

@@braveheart5696 we have place ourselves such heights. Lets see! Thanks for the comment

[@kavindunamarathunga6344]

What a legend ❤

[@Ape965]

Good luck! God bless you and your family

[@eshiohaz]

He is in a different level of Class!!!

[@sahasdulmina4783]

Ye .....s , It is donkey level

[@eshiohaz]

@@sahasdulmina4783 probably one or two notches below yours.

[@Athapaththu88]

Being a cricketer is easy.but being a gentleman is the hardest...as your cover drives it's always a pleasure to see your thoughts also ❤️❤️

[@shehandr]

You are a legend. God be with you

[@sathixmadushan5993]

Legend 😘💥

[@lsabdc330]

Keep doing the right thing for you and for the country...Three cheers for the extraordinary protest!

[@DhammaBuddhi-pp8to]

Kumar Sangakkara is widely considered one of the best cricketers in the modern era. His accomplishments during his cricketing career are numerous, including: He is the second-highest run-scorer in the history of ODI cricket. Throughout his career, he scored 28 double centuries, which is the most by any player in test cricket. In 2012, he became the first player to post four successive centuries in ODIs. He is one of only two players to have won the coveted Wisden Cricketer of the Year award twice. Sangakkara captained the Sri Lankan cricket team from 2009 to 2011. Sangakkara is also known for his philanthropic work, both in Sri Lanka and globally. He has been actively involved in supporting causes such as education, healthcare, and poverty alleviation, among others. From the success of his cricketing career and his work as a humanitarian, one can learn the importance of hard work, dedication, and perseverance, and how success can be used to create positive change in society.