Sri Lanka's Pride

Adieu to the Lions of Lanka

Kumar Chokshanada Sangakkara, one of the luminaries in the world of International Cricket had announced retirement from the ODI format. Another lionheart from the Sri Lankan Sault decided to bid goodbye to the game and start a life outside the field, Denagamage Praboth Mahela de Silva Jayawardane played his last ODI yesterday.

Both Sangakkara and Jayawardane have been deep-rooted and fundamental veterans for the Sri Lankan side.

But losing against the Proteas in the World Cup 2015's Quarter Finals on 18th of March, wasn't the kind of farewell both the veterans had planned of. If Sri Lanka would have won the match yesterday then we would have got a chance to see the legends perform again in the Semi-finals and if they would have been more lucky then the World Cup final must have been the match to play for, one last time. It was such a dismay for the Lankan fans that they lost on a disappointing note after losing against South Africa by 9 wickets. 

Surely, both the legends' career didn't have a happy ending but they will always remain in our hearts as they have played brilliantly and have been magnificent in their own ways. 

Here are the top 5 hand-picked (not literally) tweets for the two legends, messages from all over the world that have caught my eyes. 

1) "Well done on glorious ODI careers @KumarSanga2 & @MahelaJay Being an intergral part of the ODI side for so many years, it is difficult to imagine the side without the 2 of you. Wishing you the very best and will miss the 2 of you constructing the innings in coloured clothes"

 - Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar

2) "Congrats @MahelaJay & @KumarSanga2 on an excellent career.You have been gr8 role models & inspiration 2 a lot of youngsters.Good luck:)" 

- VVS Laxman

3) "The legends have put their feet up. They were ornaments to the game. Brought much pride to Sri Lanka. #Sangakkara #Jayawardene "

-Harsha Bhogle

4) "It’s sad to see Jayawardene and Sangakkara’s ODI careers come to an end. Cricket has been lucky to have them. #CWC15 #SAvSL #SA #SL"

- Freddie Wilde

5) "Thanks @KumarSanga2 and @MahelaJay for all the entertainment over the years #Truelegends #CWC15 #SLvSA "

- SunRisers Hyderabad