Sanath Jayasuriya, a former Sri Lankan cricket captain, has been named the head coach of the Sri Lanka men’s national cricket team. His appointment officially began on October 1, 2024, and will run until March 31, 2026.
The decision was influenced by the team’s recent outstanding performances under Jayasuriya’s leadership as interim head coach during tours against India, England, and New Zealand. Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) made the announcement in light of his positive impact on the team in these high-profile matches.
Achievements as Interim Head Coach
Jayasuriya took over as interim head coach in July 2024 after the departure of former English coach Chris Silverwood, following a disappointing T20 World Cup campaign.
During his interim tenure, Jayasuriya helped Sri Lanka achieve notable milestones, such as their first bilateral ODI series win over India in 27 years and a rare Test victory against England. The team also secured a 2-0 home Test series win against New Zealand. These successes under his guidance were key factors in his promotion to head coach.
First Assignment as Head Coach
Jayasuriya’s first challenge as the official head coach will be the upcoming limited-overs series against the West Indies, set to take place in Dambulla and Pallekele.
As a former cricket consultant for SLC and an iconic figure in Sri Lankan cricket, Jayasuriya brings a wealth of experience. During his playing career from 1991 to 2007, he scored 6,973 runs in 110 Test matches and 13,430 runs in 445 ODIs. He is remembered for his significant role in Sri Lanka’s 1996 ODI World Cup triumph, cementing his legacy as one of the country’s finest players.
With Sanath Jayasuriya now at the helm as head coach, Sri Lanka’s cricket team is poised for continued success, building on the momentum from recent victories.
His wealth of experience as a player and coach, combined with his deep understanding of the team, positions him well to lead Sri Lanka through upcoming challenges. As the team prepares for the West Indies series and future tournaments, expectations are high for Jayasuriya to further elevate the performance of Sri Lankan cricket and inspire the next generation of players.
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