What keeps Kumar going

While Murali has been the talking point in Sri Lanka in recent weeks, Kumar Sangakkara was being talked about a lot in the distant Caribbean. He was playing in the T20 Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) for the Jamaica Tallawahs led by the ever-popular Chrys Gayle. The team won the tournament for the second time a few days back.

Giving full credit to Gayle for his captaincy, Kumar told the media that winning the championship was “absolutely fantastic”. He was all praise for captain Gayle. A lot of people look at Chris from the outside and think that he is all casual and happy go lucky but he is a man with a lot of determination to win and when you are close and playing in the same side you see that passion.”

The final was something disappointing for the massive crowd present. When Gayle’s team got rid of the rivals, Amazon Warriors, for 93 runs, the result was obvious. However, it was a treat to watch on TV how Gayle hit six sixers and three fours in his 54 to make things so easy to his team. It was his 78th score of 50 or more in T20 cricket. Kumar came next and after a slow start hit two fours, one which brought the winning runs in the 12th over.

Kumar said that being able to play an important role for the teams he is a part of is what keeps him going. “That is the whole point of playing. If you are not going contribute to winning campaigns it is always hard to keep yourself going. It was a privilege at my age [he is now 38] to come and play with these boys and still be of value,” he said. Gayle was seen conferring with Kumar at crucial moments during games.

The official media release said: “Sri Lankan Sangakkara comes from an island nation that has punched above its weight over the years, just like Jamaica, and he says that the word ‘Tallawah’, which means strong-willed and fearless is the perfect name for this team.

“I think the name itself says it all – small, but proud and strong. You take setbacks, you take it on the chin and you come back stronger. That has been the story of Jamaica, from its athletes to it is cricketers, they show that Tallawah spirit. And this was just the case, from Florida to here, to lose three games on the trot to win against Trinbago, come here and beat one of the best sides it is just the epitome of the word Tallawah.”

It was more interesting and entertaining to watch the fun after the victory in the final. The entire team rushed to the middle of the ground with a couple of champagne bottles in and it was merry dancing for quite some time. How they innovate and make it so exciting! Smiling away, Kumar was enjoying the fun.

Both Kumar and Gayle had their ups and downs in the tournament. I watched one game where he got out first ball. And then he had a few fifties as well. His highest was 67. It was the same with Gayle. And on several occasions when one failed the other too failed. Then there were others to take over. In the semi-final match in the semi-final when four wickets had fallen for 67 runs Andre Russell to came and hit a century in 42 balls.