Former Sri Lanka captain Kumar Sangakkara recalled his discussion with Muttiah Muralitharan regarding his 800 Test wickets. Sanga revealed how he didn’t want his fellow countryman to end his career before hitting that magical number. The SL wicketkeeper also revealed how the spinner was adamant he will retire after the Galle Test against India in 2010.

The batting great said Muralitharan was at 792 wickets before the first test and said he doesn’t want to play beyond the same. He ended up picking a 5-wicket haul in the first innings and 3 in the second promise his word and hit the magic number.

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“I will tell you the measure of the man, Ravi. He was 8 wickets away from 800. 800 Test wickets. He said he wanted to retire in the India series and I was the captain.  I said ‘Murali, we know you like taking up challenges. It’s a tragedy if you come so close and don’t get your 800. So you can play the 1st Test, and then if you are too tire or have a niggle, take the 2nd Test off and you come back for the 3rd Test. Or you can take 2 Tests off and come back for the next series.” Sanga said.

He added, “Murali look at us and said ‘you know what? That is not going to work for you or for me. I have always loved challenges and if I am supposed to be the best spinner, I should be able to take 8 wickets at Galle against any side.

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Murli told,  “‘And If I take 8 wickets, I am not just going to get my 800. We are going to win this Test match as well. If I can’t get it, I can’t get it. So this is my last Test. Thank You very much, I am going to take 8 wickets.’

Sanga recalled,  “I was seated then and I was thinking, that’s the kind of champion the guy was.”