Kumar Sangakkara’s emotional farewell speech

Hereon, it was just a matter of time before Sri Lanka folded out. “That was the whole idea behind it”, Kohli said at the post-match press conference after India’s thumping win in the second Test here. Soon followed a boundary of over throws before the sublime Sangakkara stroked two delightful fours off Ishant Sharma, one clipped off the pads and another his trademark straight drive off a half volley.

“We were pumped up to get wickets and we got a flawless start“.

Veteran Indian pacer Zaheer Khan, whom Sangakkara admitted to be the most challenging bowler he faced in his 15-year-long illustrious career, tweeted his wishes for the legendary wicketkeeper-batsman.

The best days for batting were second and third, and we clearly didn’t capitalise. This was Ashwin’s second five-wicket-haul against them. On day three, Mathews scored his sixth Test hundred but Lanka were restricted to 306 in their first innings conceding an 87-run lead.

Ashwin accounted for Lahiru Thirimanne (11), well caught by substitute fielder Cheteshwar Pujara at silly point as Sri Lanka fell to 106-5. Once again, Ashwin lived up to his moniker of being India’s leading spinner.

Having battled out the accurate bowling all of last session yesterday, Murali Vijay marked his test comeback by reaching his fifty within the first 30 minutes of play, before stepping on the gas with couple of sweetly timed sixes over leg-side.

Ashwin removed Sangakkara for the fourth time this series, a catch to Vijay at gully ending the 37-year-old’s career, leaving Sri Lanka skipper Angelo Mathews (23) and Dimuth Karunaratne (25) the task of providing a winning farewell on Monday. While in Australia, India lost 2-1, the Fatuallah Test resulted in a draw due to sporadic rain.

India were indebted to the efforts of Ravichandran Ashwin, who took 5-42, and a supporting role from Amit Mishra who took 3-29.

With star batsman Kumar Sangakkara set to retire, it is a worrying trend. I have spoken a lot about him in the past week, but once more I will say this, it has been a pleasure knowing you and watching you play.

His performances earned his a one-day global call up against Pakistan in 2000 and he made his test debut against South Africa shortly afterward. “Finally to Angie and my team”.

“We didn’t plan against any particular bowler (after the Galle defeat)”, said Rahul after India wrapped up the win on day five.