Captain Kumar Sangakkara is suave, stylish, intelligent, highly professional and a thorough gentleman. This accomplished cricketer is a student of law and an excellent communicator. One can gauge his sharp and honest mind as he answers quick witted to the question posed to him.

Advice to youngsters who want to take up professional sports...

Understand the risks and awards that follow the choice you have made. It has to be hard work and hard work to achieve one’s goal. And have more than one string to the bow i.e always have an alternative career option. Pursue your dreams with dedication.

Dictum that I follow in life...

It is all about hard work, there are no shortcuts. Just do well whatever you do. Time and again do the right thing and good things follow.

On Deccan Chargers...

Excellent team and great management. We are taken good care by the DC management. I appreciate the fact that they have been very honest, direct and forthright in their dealings with me which is a pleasant change from my earlier IPL experience!

On Hyderabad, Hyderabadis and Deccan Chargers fans...

Hyderabad is a very nice place. I am overwhelmed to see how glad the people of Hyderabad are to have me in their home team. Deccan Chargers fans want to see good cricket being played and we feel responsible and want to win and do well this IPL season.

About playing against friends and country mates from rival IPL teams...

The competition is intense and I enjoy playing against them though camaraderie exists.

My favourite cricketer...

Growing up, I admired Sir Viv Richards and I find Brian Lara to be a great cricketer.

The best compliment I cherish...

My dad who is also my coach is my best critic and when he appreciates my game, it means I have really done well.

I miss...

My family, when I am playing away from home and love to have them around, otherwise there is nothing of significance as such.

Message to Deccan Chargers fans...

Just keep coming to the stadium to watch us play and we will do our best to win matches. You are integral to the Deccan Chargers family and like a back bone and lifeline, always supporting the franchisee even after a hard loss. We really appreciate your encouragement.