Virat Kohli won his first Test as captain as India levelled the 3-match series 1-1 against Sri Lanka today at P Sara Oval. On the 5th and final day of the 2nd Test against Sri Lanka, India won by 278 runs. Little wonder then that India’s 26-year-old Test skipper sent a heart-felt note of thanks to iconic cricketer Kumar Sangakkara, who played his final international knock on Sunday. 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.

Virat Kohli’s message to Kumar Sangakkara:

“Dear Kumar, it has been an absolute pleasure knowing you as a person first and no words can explain your great cricketing achievements. You have inspired so many people and shown them the way. Lucky 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,” wrote Kohli on a photograph of him shaking hands with the legendary Sri Lankan. Here’s a pic of Virat Kohli’s message to Kumar Sangakkara:

The message was penned in all caps and was a clear sign of how much Kohli respected Sangakkara – a man known as much for his runs as for his genial nature.

Captain Virat Kohli gets his first Test win in Kumar Sangakkara’s last:

The ongoing Colombo Test between Sri Lanka and India is Sangakkara’s final outing after a career spanning 15 years. On Day 4 of the match (Sunday), the 37-year-old came out for his last knock to a massive reception from fans at the P. Sara Oval. Even the Indian cricketers gave him a warm welcome. It was a moment to cherish for Kohli as his first Test win as captain came in Sri Lankan great Kumar Sangakkara’s last match.

Team India and its fans will be hoping this is just the beginning of many more Test victories under Kohli’s leadership. Interestingly, Kohli may have played in the same era as the Sri Lankan but he was only 11 when Sangakkara made his Test debut – in 2000.