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Colombo:Kumar Sangakkara drew the curtains on an illustrious international career with scores of 32 and 18 as Sri Lanka stared at possible defeat in the second Test against India but Sunil Gavaskar hailed the left-handed batsmen for his consistency, especially over the last five years.
It has so far been an emotional Test match for the Sri Lankans, who have allowed India to strengthen their grip at the P. Sara Oval over four days. Much was expected of Sangakkara, who has been brilliant at this venue.
But the former skipper fell in both innings to rival off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin – the second dismissal would hurt him and could seriously dent Sri Lanka’s bid to save the match. But Gavaskar chose to focus on the island legend’s massive contribution instead.
“Sangakkara has been the go-to man for Sri Lanka. He has been extremely consistent for the last few years. He is one of the all-time greats of the game for sure,” Gavaskar told reporters in Colombo on Sunday.
Sri Lanka were in dire straits at 72 at close of play on day four, chasing 413. With an entire final day to see off India’s spinners on a crumbling pitch, Gavaskar did not give the hosts much of a chance. “Sri Lanka maybe able to draw versus India but I don’t think they can win in Colombo. India’s timing of the declaration was also good.”
Gavaskar said India’s bowlers will need to put pressure on Sri Lanka from both ends and hoped they would be able to dry up the runs as well as take regular wickets.
He also felt Ashwin would have to win the match for the tourists. The Chennai spinner took both wickets to fall on Sunday evening.
