Lucky to have played in same era as Kumar Sangakkara: Virat Kohli

COLOMBO: Indian Test skipper Virat Kohli has penned a heartwarming farewell message to retiring Sri Lankan batsman Kumar Sangakkara, saying that he felt "lucky" to have played in the same era as the legendary cricketer.

"Dear Sanga, it's been an absolute pleasure knowing you as a person first and no words can explain your great cricketing achievements," Kohli wrote in his message to the Lankan legend, an image of which was posted on Twitter by the BCCI.

"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," he added.

Sangakkara, considered one of the greatest batsmen to have emerged from the island nation, had declared that he would be bidding adieu to the game after the second Test against India in the ongoing three-match series.

The stylish left-hander has ended with 12,400 runs in 134 Tests at an average of 57.40 and 14234 runs from 404 ODIs at 41.98.