Aug 24, (NDTV): He may be widely considered a hot-head, but Virat Kohli acknowledges greatness when he sees it. 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 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. Although he scored only 18 before falling to Ravichandran Ashwin, there was not an iota of doubt that he was firmly entrenched in the cricketing hall of fame.

"Dear Kumar, it has been an absolute pleasure knowing you as a person first and no words can explain your great cricketing achievements," wrote Kohli on a photograph of him shaking hands with the legendary Sri Lankan.

"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."

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. 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. Many have grown up watching legends of the sport play and it won't be surprising if Kohli too picked up some of the nuances of the sport from the classy batsman - one who is hailed as the lion of Sri Lankan cricket.