Sanath Jayasuriya has been appointed as the full-time head coach of the Sri Lankan men’s cricket team, effective from October 1, 2024, until March 31, 2026.
This announcement was made by Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) on October 7, 2024, following a successful interim period during which Jayasuriya oversaw significant improvements in the team’s performance.
Sanath Jayasuriya’s Success as Interim Coach
Jayasuriya, a legendary figure in Sri Lankan cricket known for his explosive batting and all-round capabilities, initially took over as interim head coach after the T20 World Cup in the Americas.
His appointment came after Chris Silverwood resigned due to the team’s disappointing performance in that tournament. Under Jayasuriya’s guidance, the national team achieved notable victories:
- ODI Series Against India: Sri Lanka won their first bilateral ODI series against India in 27 years, clinching the series 2-1.
- Test Series Against England: The team secured a historic win at The Oval, marking their first Test victory in England in a decade.
- Home Test Series Against New Zealand: Sri Lanka achieved a clean sweep, winning the two-match series 2-0.
These performances played a crucial role in SLC’s decision to appoint Jayasuriya permanently as head coach.
Jayasuriya’s contract will run until the end of March 2026, coinciding with the upcoming T20 World Cup scheduled to be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka.
The Executive Committee of SLC emphasized that this decision was influenced by the team’s recent successes under his leadership.
Jayasuriya has expressed his commitment to fostering an environment where players feel free to express themselves on the field.
His approach has resonated well with the players, leading to positive feedback regarding his coaching methods.
This marks Jayasuriya’s first significant role in international coaching after serving as chief selector for Sri Lanka Cricket.
Upcoming Challenges for Sanath Jayasuriya
Jayasuriya’s immediate challenge as full-time head coach will be the upcoming series against West Indies, starting on October 13, which includes three T20Is and three ODIs.
This series will be critical as he seeks to build on the momentum gained from previous tours and prepare the team for future competitions.
