Sri Lanka Appoints Sanath Jayasuriya
Sri Lanka Cricket announced on Monday, October 8, that former legendary cricketer Sanath Jayasuriya will take over as the full-time head coach, replacing Chris Silverwood. Jayasuriya, who has been serving as interim head coach since June, takes the reins after recent successes, including a historic Test series win against England and a rare ODI series triumph over India.
Jayasuriya, 55, will hold the position until March 2026. The former captain is widely regarded as one of the greatest ODI players, famous for his aggressive batting style and match-winning performances. His appointment marks a return to the team after previously holding positions as a selector and mentor.
Silverwood’s departure came after a disappointing early exit in the T20 World Cup. Sri Lanka’s cricket board was quick to find a replacement, opting for a local figure to better connect with the team and understand the players’ cultural dynamics. Jayasuriya’s rapport with the squad and ability to communicate in their native language gives him an edge over foreign coaches.
His immediate challenge will be preparing the squad for the upcoming series against the West Indies. Jayasuriya stressed the importance of building trust within the team and emphasized that players should feel comfortable approaching him with any issues.
Highlights of Jayasuriya’s Career and Appointment,
Category | Details |
---|
Age | 55 |
Playing Career | 1989 – 2011 |
Matches Played | 586 across formats |
Centuries Scored | 42 |
Wickets Taken | 440 |
Previous Roles | Chief Selector, Mentor |
ICC Ban | Suspended for 2 years in 2018 (Anti-corruption issue) |
Coaching Contract | Full-time until March 2026 |
First Assignment | Series against West Indies (3 ODIs, 3 T20s) |
Jayasuriya’s appointment comes at a time when Sri Lankan cricket is in transition. With a mix of experienced players and emerging talent, his role will be crucial in rebuilding the team’s strength and morale. CEO Ashley de Silva expressed confidence that Jayasuriya’s leadership and cricketing expertise will guide the team to success in future international fixtures.
Fans are hopeful that Jayasuriya’s aggressive mindset will bring a positive change and instill a fearless approach in the current squad. As a player, Jayasuriya was known for taking on the best bowlers in the world. Now, as a coach, he will look to inspire a new generation of cricketers to embrace a similar attacking style.
The decision to appoint Jayasuriya has been well-received within the cricketing community. Many believe that having a local coach will bring a sense of familiarity and stability. His knowledge of the Sri Lankan domestic circuit and experience in handling young players are expected to play a vital role.
Jayasuriya’s first major goal will be to improve the team’s consistency across all formats. Although Sri Lanka has shown flashes of brilliance, they have struggled to maintain momentum in critical matches. With a packed international schedule ahead, including tours and the ICC events, Jayasuriya has his work cut out.
For now, all eyes are on the West Indies series. Fans and players alike will be eager to see how Jayasuriya’s strategies unfold. The upcoming matches will be a litmus test, setting the tone for his tenure as Sri Lanka’s head coach,