Check out: Virat Kohli writes congratulatory message to Kumar Sangakkara

Colombo: Indian cricket team’s Test skipper Virat Kohli has penned a heart-warming message for retiring Sri Lankan batting maestro Kumar Sangakkara, here on Monday.

Sangakkara, who is playing the final Test of his career was dismissed in the second innings for the fourth time by Ravichandran Ashwin for 18 and Kohli was amongst the first ones to run up to him and shake his hand.

Team India, led by Kohli gave Sangakkara a guard of honour when he came out to bat amidst a thunderous applause from fans at the P Sara Oval. In his short note, Kohli said it was an ‘absolute pleasure’ to have played in the same era as the great Sangakkara.

“Dear Sanga, it’s been an absolute pleasure knowing you as a person first and no words can explain you great cricketing achievements,” Kohli was quoted as saying in a picture uploaded by BCCI on Twitter.

“You have inspired so many people and shown them the way. Luck to have played in the same era as you. Thanks for everything. God bless you and your family and wish you the best in life ahead,” Kohli’s message read.

Sri Lanka are currently poised at 72 for two with one whole day of play to go and require another 341 runs for victory. India on the other hand will look to seal a series-levelling victory picking up remaining wickets on what seems to be a tricky fifth day pitch.