5 cricketers to get the most emotional farewells in the 21st century

Modified Sep 26, 2018 14:16 IST

Retiring opening batsman for Australia, Justin Langer (L), retiring pace bowler Glenn McGrath (C), and retiring spin bowler Shane Warne (R) display the Ashes trophy with their children after winning the fifth and final Ashes Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground, 05 January 2007

#4 Kumar Sangakkara

Kumar Chokshanada Sangakkara or simply Sangakkara is undoubtedly one of the greatest wicket-keeper batsmen not only of the 21st century but in the history of cricket.

The 40-year-old has numerous records to his name and is most well-known for forming great partnerships with fellow Sri Lankan Mahela Jayawardene and wreaking havoc for the opposition's bowlers. He regularly held the number 1 rank in ICC Test Rankings between the years 2005 and 2015.

The 40-year-old was influential in helping Sri Lanka win their maiden 2014 ICC World Twenty20. He was named Test Cricketer of the Year and ICC Cricketer of the Year in 2012 along with being named the ODI Cricketer of the Year in 2011 and 2013.

Sangakarra had an attacking style of play and had a wide array of shots such as -- cut, the pull, and the cover drive -- in his armoury. His ability to hit the ball to all parts of the ground is what made him so feared. Classy shots along with the composure to hold his wicket and score big for his team was another phenomenal trait of his. The left-handed batsman had a whopping average of 57.14 in Test Cricket while he averaged an excellent 41.99 in ODIs and 31.41 in T20Is.

Sangakarra, with 12,400 runs, is sixth on the list of all-time highest scorers in Test cricket, behind the legends Sachin, Ponting, Kallis, Dravid, Cook -- in the same order. Whereas, in ODIs, he is the second highest all-time run-getter with 14,234 runs in 404 innings, behind Sachin.

The top order batsman also held the record for the highest number of stumpings (99) before Mahendra Singh Dhoni managed to surpass him.

The veteran batsman made his Test debut against South Africa at the Galle International Stadium on July 20, 2000. He hung up his boots vs India at the P Sara Oval in August 20, 2015.