'Sledging doesn't belong on the field'
Kumar Sangakkara talks to Cricinfo as he prepares to face West Indies
Nagraj Gollapudi
11-Jul-2005
Kumar Sangakkara, Sri Lanka's feisty wicketkeeper batsman, is preparing for the Test series against West Indies, the first in Sri Lanka since the Boxing day tsunami. Cricinfo caught up with him recently and found he was in good spirits after some time in England playing tsunami appeal matches.
 |
|
In the aftermath of the tsunami you visited the affected areas. Did it change your life in any way?
The visions of the destruction I saw were startling. I never expected the damage to be that serious. To visit the real sites and actually see what people had gone through gave me a real understanding of how they had, and are, suffering. It brought home the point that we are lucky to have been spared the suffering, and also how lucky we are to be in a position to help people rebuild and rediscover their lives. That gave the players clarity about how they could approach this disaster and how they could help.
The visions of the destruction I saw were startling. I never expected the damage to be that serious. To visit the real sites and actually see what people had gone through gave me a real understanding of how they had, and are, suffering. It brought home the point that we are lucky to have been spared the suffering, and also how lucky we are to be in a position to help people rebuild and rediscover their lives. That gave the players clarity about how they could approach this disaster and how they could help.
Newspapers reported that survivors asked about the cricketers.
We players were so touched. The first questions directed at us from these people, who had lost their homes and family members, were "How is Sanath's [Jayasuriya] family doing and how is Upul Chandana's family doing?" [both players's homes were in the affected areas]. They had a lot of concern for other human beings and forgot their own suffering for a while. That was very moving.
We players were so touched. The first questions directed at us from these people, who had lost their homes and family members, were "How is Sanath's [Jayasuriya] family doing and how is Upul Chandana's family doing?" [both players's homes were in the affected areas]. They had a lot of concern for other human beings and forgot their own suffering for a while. That was very moving.
You're a student of law. Does that help your game?
It's vital to have a challenge outside the game as it helps to build a different perspective and approach to the game itself. It gives me the independence to think that I am qualified to do something other than cricket once I'm done with the game. That independence gives me a lot of security and helps me approach the game in the right spirit. It lets me focus on the right things at the right time.
It's vital to have a challenge outside the game as it helps to build a different perspective and approach to the game itself. It gives me the independence to think that I am qualified to do something other than cricket once I'm done with the game. That independence gives me a lot of security and helps me approach the game in the right spirit. It lets me focus on the right things at the right time.
Who is the greatest sledger you've known?
[Laughs] There have been different experiences in the middle with a bit of a chat-up but nothing or special comes to mind.
[Laughs] There have been different experiences in the middle with a bit of a chat-up but nothing or special comes to mind.
How's your own sledging?
My honest opinion about sledging is that it doesn't belong on the cricket field. It is not the way the game should be played. But there are instances when you are faced with verbal challenges, there are times when you have to put your foot down. When the challenge is taken up, things can get ugly. But I would never practise that or use it as a tactic.
My honest opinion about sledging is that it doesn't belong on the cricket field. It is not the way the game should be played. But there are instances when you are faced with verbal challenges, there are times when you have to put your foot down. When the challenge is taken up, things can get ugly. But I would never practise that or use it as a tactic.
You've kept to Muttiah Muralitharan, Shane Warne, Anil Kumble, and Harbhajan Singh. Who is the most difficult?
I can't compare, but keeping to Murali in Sri Lanka is extremely difficult.
I can't compare, but keeping to Murali in Sri Lanka is extremely difficult.
What's your view on Twenty20? Do you think you would enjoy it over a pint as a spectator?
I'm sure I will. Recently when we played a tsunami fundraiser at The Oval, it had the biggest crowd in 50 years. And this was a Twenty20. The array of international players playing high-quality cricket was like a magnet. I'm sure I'll enjoy watching cricketers hitting the ball all over the park.
I'm sure I will. Recently when we played a tsunami fundraiser at The Oval, it had the biggest crowd in 50 years. And this was a Twenty20. The array of international players playing high-quality cricket was like a magnet. I'm sure I'll enjoy watching cricketers hitting the ball all over the park.
Does your wife complain about your schedule?
I've been married two years now and my wife accompanies me quite often. She has got used to the routine, but it's quite difficult for her at times since most my time is spent practising even when I am in Sri Lanka. But we try our best to enjoy time together
I've been married two years now and my wife accompanies me quite often. She has got used to the routine, but it's quite difficult for her at times since most my time is spent practising even when I am in Sri Lanka. But we try our best to enjoy time together
Sri Lankans have a thing for cars. What do you drive?
I just own one car - a Volvo S60. Volvos are known as an old man's car but I believe they are quite safe. A car is supposed to get you around so it doesn't really matter whether you drive a flashy car or a run-of-the-mill one.
I just own one car - a Volvo S60. Volvos are known as an old man's car but I believe they are quite safe. A car is supposed to get you around so it doesn't really matter whether you drive a flashy car or a run-of-the-mill one.
Is the constant travel boring?
Travelling is a bit of a hassle but it is also interesting as you get used to living a global life.
Travelling is a bit of a hassle but it is also interesting as you get used to living a global life.
Do you have a nickname?
I'm Kumar in the house and Sanga to team-mates
I'm Kumar in the house and Sanga to team-mates
What are your weaknesses?
I am not the neatest of persons, with my things scattered across my room. I'm also a bit flexible with time, which is not a good thing as punctuality is important. I'm trying to improve.
I am not the neatest of persons, with my things scattered across my room. I'm also a bit flexible with time, which is not a good thing as punctuality is important. I'm trying to improve.
Are you a morning person or a night one?
I am not an early morning person because I sleep quite late. But in Sri Lanka we have practice matches at 7am, so you have to get up early. It becomes a habit. But if I don't have to, I won't get up.
I am not an early morning person because I sleep quite late. But in Sri Lanka we have practice matches at 7am, so you have to get up early. It becomes a habit. But if I don't have to, I won't get up.
Nagraj Gollapudi is sub-editor of Wisden Asia Cricket