New Delhi, Dec 7: Former Sri Lankan great Kumar Sangakkara has heaped praise over India's skipper and batting mainstay Virat Kohli, who is in a phenomenal form in this year across all formats.

Kohli slammed two back-to-back double centuries against Sri Lanka and shattered several Test records has opted for a break. The right-handed batsman will not be participating in the limited-overs series against Sri Lanka.

Kohli, who is on a record-breaking spree in 2017, has aggregated 2818 runs across all formats to become the third-highest run scorer in a calendar year.

The 29-year-old Delhi swashbuckler is behind Sangakkara (2868 runs in 2014) and former Australia captain Ricky Ponting (2833 in 2005). Had he not opted for a break, Kohli could have easily surpassed this record and ended the year at another high.

Reacting to this Sangakkara felt the Indian skipper will certainly break this record in next calendar year and even better his record in the following year for he's a 'different class'.

"Kumar Sangakkara's 2868 runs in 2014 will remain as the highest tally ever recorded in a calendar year as Virat Kohli ends the year 2017 with 2818 runs #Cricket," tweeted Sri Lankan journalist Azzam Ameen.

Kumar Sangakkara’s 2868 runs in 2014 will remain as the highest tally ever recorded in a calendar year as Virat Kohli ends year 2017 with 2818 runs #Cricket

— Azzam Ameen (@AzzamAmeen) December 5, 2017

Replying to the former's comment, Sangakkara said,"I don't think that will last long the way @imVkohli is batting. He will probably overtake it next year and then do it again the year after. He is a different class."

I don’t think that will last long the way @imVkohli is batting. He will probably overtake it next year and then do it again the year after. He is a different class.

— Kumar Sangakkara (@KumarSanga2) December 6, 2017

Kohli, who was adjudged the man of the match and player of the series in the three-Test series between India and Sri Lanka, while explaining the reason him asking the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for a break ahead of the South Africa series, said, "The workload has been massive, I have been playing non-stop for the last 48 months, I need rest. My body has taken a toll in the last couple of years. Right now is the perfect time to rest before the tour of South Africa."

Kohli struck 243 off just 287 deliveries with the help of 25 boundaries during the third Test match at Feroz Shah Kotla. The batting sensation said it was a revelation that he can play at a fast pace in Test cricket, just like he does in ODIs.

It was Kohli's sixth double-hundred and he became the first captain to score six Test double tons, surpassing West Indies batting legend Brian Lara's record of five Test Doubles.

It was also Kohli's highest score, surpassing the previous best of 235 against England last year in Mumbai. He also equalled Sachin Tendulkar and Virender Sehwag for a maximum number of double hundreds for India.

Sangakkara has scored 11 double centuries while all-time batting great Sir Don Bradman tops the list with 12. Looking at the kind of form Kohli is in, it's possible that the modern day legend might eclipse Bradman's record.

(With inputs from PTI)