Sri Lanka Extends Sanath Jayasuriya’s Dynamic Coaching Tenure

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) stated that Sanath Jayasuriya, the temporary head coach of Sri Lanka’s men’s cricket team, has been extended for another year. Jayasuriya, one of Sri Lanka’s most successful openers in all formats, led the nation to its first bilateral ODI series triumph against India in 27 years. Following his success with the Sri Lanka team in recent months, Sanath Jayasuriya’s tenure as men’s head coach is likely to be extended for another year. 

Since taking over as interim coach in early July, the team has beaten India in an ODI series and won a Test at The Oval. They also won another series against New Zealand in Galle. Following the departure of Chris Silverwood in late June, Sri Lanka Cricket advertised for a permanent head coach. However, with at least two of Sri Lanka’s three sides showing improvement under Sanath Jayasuriya, the SLC has begun bringing Jayasuriya on a long-term basis.

Sanath Jayasuriya’s Coaching Path

Jayasuriya was originally hired as a cricket consultant for one year in December of last year, with most of his time spent at the High-Performance Centre. However, he accompanied the squad to this year’s T20 World Cup and later became the head coach. During his interim spell, Sri Lanka won a 2-0 ODI series against India in August, rebounding from a difficult T20 series. 

Players have also given favorable feedback, with Angelo Mathews, the most experienced player on the Test team, describing Jayasuriya’s takeover as a “turning point”. “Sanath Jayasuriya was an excellent cricket director and is now a coach,” Mathews remarked. “He communicates effectively and has allowed us a great deal of freedom. 

On the other hand, board CEO Ashley de Silva stated, “We are in the final phases of discussing the contract with him. You may expect to hear more in the next two or three days. We’re all working towards the same goal, and everyone is on the same page. He has also done a good job nurturing the players. He has been fantastic. I sincerely wish him the best.”

Jayasuriya’s Selector History

Sanath Jayasuriya had previously served as chief selector in two distinct terms over the last decade, both of which were marked by poor performances by the men’s squad. His current assignment, on the other hand, has provided more steadiness. The squad failed to move to the Super 8 stage under Wanindu Hasaranga’s leadership, highlighting the necessity for fundamental changes in the coaching staff. 

Former Sri Lanka captain Sanath Jayasuriya was appointed as the men’s national team’s interim head coach by Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) on July 7, 2024. Sanath Jayasuriya was the interim head coach for the home series against India and the test tour to England. Meanwhile, Dhananjaya de Silva’s team is on the verge of a 2-0 victory over the Black Caps at the Galle International Stadium. On day two, off-spinner Prabath Jayasuriya ripped through New Zealand’s batting lineup, bowling them out for 88, after which Sri Lanka forced the follow-on.