New Delhi: Former Sri Lanka batter Sanath Jayasuriya has been named as the full-time head coach of the Sri Lanka men’s cricket team until the end of the T20 World Cup 2026. He was appointed as the interim head coach of the team in July of this year but now that he has impressed Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) in the role, the board has provided him the job full time.
Under Jayasuriya’s coaching over the past few months, Sri Lanka won their first bilateral ODI series against India in 27 years. They also defeated England away in a Test match for the first time in the last 10 years and recently whitewashed New Zealand 2-0 in a home Test series to land them an opportunity to qualify for the World Test Championship final.
“The Executive Committee of Sri Lanka Cricket made this decision taking into consideration the team’s good performances in the recent tours against India, England, and New Zealand, where Jayasuriya was in charge as the ‘interim head coach’,” SLC’s statement said.
Sri Lanka Cricket wishes to announce the appointment of Sanath Jayasuriya as the head coach of the national team.
The Executive Committee of Sri Lanka Cricket made this decision taking into consideration the team’s good performances in the recent tours against India, England,… pic.twitter.com/IkvAIJgqio
— Sri Lanka Cricket 🇱🇰 (@OfficialSLC) October 7, 2024
This is notably Jayasuriya’s first serious charge into coaching. Jayasuriya has conveyed in various interviews that he himself sees his role as creating an environment where players can take freedom while operating. Even the players seem to have been accepting his methods while some have already heaped praise upon him in the public.
Previous stints with Sri Lanka team
Jayasuriya was previously involved with the team in the capacity of a chief selector, holding the position in two separate stints. He was subsequently banned for two years under the ICC’s anti-corruption code. His first assignment as the “full-time” head coach will be the upcoming limited overs series against West Indies scheduled in Dambulla and Pallekele.
As a player for Sri Lanka, Jayasuriya is already regarded as one of the nation’s greatest-ever players. His career included 110 Tests, 445 ODIs, and 31 T20Is. He was a destructive opener and a handy left-arm spinner. He was a part of the Sri Lanka team that won the 1996 World Cup and reached the final in 2007.
Sanath Jayasuriya has been appointed for a new role in the coaching staff of Sri Lanka cricket team after the team’s recent success overseas and in home. Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
