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Born on October 27, 1977, in Matale, Kumar Sangakkara stands tall as one of cricket’s most graceful and intelligent ambassadors. With 12,400 Test runs, 14,234 ODI runs, and 1,382 T20I runs, he remains the second-highest run-scorer in international cricket history. A true gentleman of the game, he led Sri Lanka with poise, guiding them to the ICC Champions Trophy 2002 and the ICC T20 World Cup 2014.
Kumar Sangakkara & Yehali: A love story that blossomed beyond cricket
1. School romance in Kandy: Where it all began
Before he became a global cricket icon, Sangakkara was just a young student at Trinity College, Kandy, where he first crossed paths with Yehali, a bright and charming student from Hillwood College, an all-girls school nearby. Their story began with innocent glances and small conversations that soon turned into a deep friendship. Despite being at different schools with strict codes of discipline, the young Sangakkara found himself completely captivated by Yehali’s elegance and intellect, a bond that would soon grow into a lifelong connection.
2. Sneaking past restrictions: The determined young lover
Even as a disciplined student and budding athlete, Sangakkara was not afraid to bend a few rules for love. With both their schools enforcing strict boundaries, meeting Yehali wasn’t easy. But Sangakkara’s determination was unwavering, he would find creative ways to see her, sometimes skipping classes or convincing the head prefect to cover for him. As per Bollywood Shaadis.com, his friends still recall his playful words, ‘Machan, if something happens when I’m in Colombo on Mission Y, cover up for me!’ It was the kind of youthful, daring romance that reflected both his courage and sincerity, qualities that would later define his cricketing leadership.
3. Poetry that spoke his heart: The romantic soul behind the cricketer
Long before his cover drives earned applause worldwide, Sangakkara’s way with words made him stand out. An admirer of English literature and poetry, he often wrote heartfelt verses for Yehali, expressing his affection through beautifully crafted letters. His words carried depth, sensitivity, and warmth, showing that behind the fierce competitor on the field was a man with a poetic soul. Yehali once revealed that he even wrote her a book of poems, a timeless keepsake of their teenage love that perfectly captured his thoughtful nature.
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4. Payphone cards and long-distance devotion: Love across cities
When Yehali later moved to Colombo for her studies, distance tested their young love. At a time when mobile phones were rare, Sangakkara made every effort to stay in touch. He would buy ₹100 payphone cards daily, spending hours at public booths just to hear her voice. Each conversation, though brief, strengthened their emotional bond.
As per Bollywood Shaadis.com, his close friend Dharshana Senarath, once shared, “The way I knew how much he really liked her was because every day he would buy one of those 100-rupee payphone cards to call her. I don’t think he could call her from his house at that time. ” These small, consistent gestures spoke volumes about Sangakkara’s commitment and sincerity.
5. The Kandy-Colombo bus route of love: A journey worth every mile
Distance was never an obstacle for Sangakkara. Whenever his schedule allowed, he would travel the Kandy–Colombo route, a long and tiring journey, just to meet Yehali for a few moments. Sometimes, he’d make the trip simply to drop off a small gift before rushing back for practice at the Asgiriya Stadium.
His friend Senarath fondly recalled how Sangakkara would spend hours on the bus just to see her smile. “Even sometime after that, when she had moved to Colombo, sometimes he would travel from Kandy to Colombo to drop off a gift for her and go back, just for that.” These quiet, selfless acts of love built a foundation of trust, understanding, and devotion that would last a lifetime.
6. Marriage and parenthood: A union sealed in love
After years of dedication and unwavering affection, Sangakkara and Yehali finally tied the knot in 2003. Their marriage marked the beautiful culmination of a love story that had survived distance, academic pressures, and a rising cricket career. The couple later welcomed twins, Swyree and Kavith, completing their circle of happiness. Despite a packed cricket calendar and international tours, Sangakkara made sure his family always came first. Yehali became his silent strength, balancing his demanding career with love, patience and unshakeable support.
7. Yehali: The strongest teammate behind the legend
Throughout Sangakkara’s glorious cricketing journey, Yehali has been his constant pillar of support. Whether cheering from the stands during Sri Lanka’s World Cup campaigns or offering encouragement through the highs and lows of his career, she has stood by him unwaveringly. She was there for his biggest milestones – from the 2011 World Cup final to his emotional farewell series in 2015. Sangakkara has often called her his ‘greatest teammate’, crediting her for the stability and strength that allowed him to perform at his best on the global stage.
Sangakkara & Yehali: Love that stayed grounded amid fame and success
Despite international fame, awards, and recognition, the Sangakkaras have always remained humble and deeply connected to their roots. They prefer a life of simplicity, family moments, and quiet togetherness over glamour. Friends describe them as one of the most down-to-earth couples in Sri Lanka, admired not just for their achievements, but for their humility and respect for each other. Even as Sangakkara transitioned from player to commentator and coach, Yehali remained the calm force anchoring his journey.
Today, Sangakkara and Yehali Sangakkara’s relationship stands as one of cricket’s most enduring love stories. From secret meetings in school corridors to raising a family amidst international fame, their journey is proof that true love endures every test. Their story continues to inspire millions, reminding the world that while trophies and records may define a career, it’s love, loyalty, and partnership that define a life well-lived.
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