Wonderful Kumar Sangakkara's Numbers Speak for Themselves: Virat Kohli

Indian skipper Virat Kohli was all praise for Kumar Sangakkara, saying it was an honour to play against the man and that his numbers spoke for themselves. The India versus Sri Lanka the second Test at the P. Sara Oval in Colombo from Thursday will be Sangakkara's farewell Test match. (Sangakkara in Same League as Sachin Tendulkar, Says Ravi Shastri)

"He has been a wonderful player for Sri Lanka. A lot of left-handers really look up to him for the way he plays. His technique and the way he has scored runs all over the world, his numbers speak for themselves," Kohli said in an interview to bcci.tv. (Kumar Sangakkara - Sri Lanka's Run Machine With a Touch of Grace | Photos: Galle Bids Farewell to Sangakkara)

He also recalled his interactions with Sangakkara on and off the field over the years. He was happy that the Indian team would get to be a part of his retirement.

"He is a wonderful human being. He is a lovely person. I have had quite a few chats with him on the field and away from the field as well. I am actually glad that he is going to be playing his last few games against us because it is a special occasion for us to be a part of.

"Such a legend of the game retiring, as a young side it will be an honour for us to give him that respect in his last few Tests. Hopefully he doesn't score too many runs against us but I really wish him all the luck with his life after cricket. It has been wonderful to know such a great player and a great man." (Also Read: Injured Dhawan Ruled Out of Sri Lanka Test Series)

Kohli went on to say that he could guess how Sangakkara must be feeling as he ends what has been a major phase in his life. The 26-year-old Indian Test skipper stated that it would not be easy for any cricketer to think they would not play the game anymore.

"I am sure if a guy who is retiring from the game, I cannot connect to it but I can imagine the kind of emotions he might feel because this is something that he has probably done for the last 20 years day in and day out of everyday life. And, not to do that anymore would be a big shock for anyone," Kohli said. (Why Virat Kohli Has Been An Unlucky Captain)

Fortunate to See Him Play: Rohit Sharma

India's current number three Rohit Sharma also wished Sangakkara the best after retirement. The only player with two ODI double tons feels that the Sri Lankan has always played in the right spirit of the game and feels fortunate to have seen him from close quarters.

"He has been a stalwart of the game and played this game in true spirit. I was fortunate enough to watch him play closely many a times in my career. I would just like to wish him all the very best," Rohit said. (Watch Full Video)

Man of Records

Sangakkara is currently fifth in the list of top run-getters in Tests with 12350 runs. His tally of 38 hundreds in fourth in the all-time list with a personal best of 319 against Bangladesh in 2014. He also has 11 double hundreds -- just one behind Don Bradman's record of 12.

Arguably Sri Lanka's best batsman, Sangakkara quit the T20 format last year after Sri Lanka were crowned world champions. He left ODIs after Sri Lanka lost in the World Cup quarters against South Africa.