Emotionally overwhelmed after signing off his Twenty20 international career with the world title, Sri Lankan veteran Kumar Sangakkara said the triumph left him feeling humble about his own abilities and grateful towards the game of cricket.
It turned out to be a fitting farewell for Sangakkara and his other illustrious teammate Mahela Jayawardene as Sri Lanka triumphed at the ICC World T20, beating India by six wickets in the title clash here last night.
Asked about his feelings having won the Cup, he understandably thrilled.
"It's amazing. I can't explain it. This is the first time that I have been a part of a team that has won a World Cup. We'd been disappointed four times before. It's hard to describe exactly what you feel, but you feel humble," said the veteran batsman, who was named man of the match for his 52-run knock in the game.
"You realise how difficult it is to get here, how much support you need, not just from your team-mates, but from your family, your fans, the support staff
"You can never do anything alone. You may be the best batsman in the world or the best bowler in the world, but you can't do anything without support. At moments like this, you have to look back, reflect and be thankful for that support, because without that you wouldn't be here," he added.
The 36-year-old former captain said it was the perfect way to sign off.
"It's been an amazing journey. It's time to walk away, and to walk away like this is even better," Sangakkara said, wearing his Man-of-the-Match medal proudly.
"I don't think the game owes us, or any player, anything. Our job is to try and play it as best as we can and walk away, hopefully having made a positive impact. The game gives us the opportunities and it's up to us to try and take them," Sangakkara said at the post-match press conference.
"We had four opportunities before this, and today we took it. You need a bit of ability, luck, planning, execution. Also being at the right place at the right time," the veteran said after he got a hearty applause from the media contingent.
Was there any added pressure on the side as they wanted to win it for him and Jayawardene, and the thoughtful Sangakkara said, "It's wonderful that the side wanted to win it for us. But there are 20 million other people to win for.
"It's not just about me or Mahela. It's about an entire squad, everyone who stands with you and behind you. We get noticed because it's our last game, but at the end of the day, everyone has played a part.
