Why Sangakkara is in all but name the captain

Since the trashing Sri Lanka got in India, the team has come a long way under the captaincy of Mahela Jayawardene. Under his watch the Sri Lankan team went from that humiliating defeat to demolish the English cricket. Going into the Champion’s Trophy, Sri Lankan team seems to be a tight, effective group considered by many to be a top contender. And the man behind it all, I think is … Sangakkara!

Mahela has improved tremendously as a captain. If anyone thought he had a timid and submissive personality that hindered his performance in certain circumstances, he changed all that by smashing the wickets with his bat when he was out caught (for which he later apologized). During the period of his progress to exercise authority as the captain, Sangakkara was, in my opinion, already up there. He has demonstrated a sense of calmness and leadership quality that is more natural and omnipotent. While Mahela tries, Sangakkara was readily accepted by all and never had to face any sort of opposition from the rest of the team that Mahela had to overcome in his path to captaincy.

Sangakkara is also the more reliable player. His dependability as a batsmen has been overshadowed by the recent back-to-form success of Mahela but Sanga has always been the solid concrete pillar of the current team. His keeping has also improved tremendously to an extent he could very well be the best wicketkeeper batsmen in the world. He is also the diplomatic and social of the two and while Mahela is either loved or hated by the teammates and fans alike, Sanga is simply loved by everyone.