Sanath Jayasuriya: Sri Lanka's New Cricket Coach

Appointment Details

• Sanath Jayasuriya appointed as head coach of Sri Lanka's national cricket team
• Appointment effective from October 1, 2024, until March 31, 2026
• Transition from interim to permanent role based on recent team performances
• Contract covers the period leading up to the 2026 T20 World Cup, co-hosted by Sri Lanka and India
• Replaces Chris Silverwood, who stepped down in June 2024 after Sri Lanka's poor performance in the T20 World Cup

Recent Achievements as Interim Coach

ODI Series:

• • Led Sri Lanka to first bilateral ODI series win against India in over 25 years

Test Series:

• • Secured a Test victory against England at The Oval
  • Clinched a 2-0 Test series win against New Zealand at home
  • Improved Sri Lanka's standing in the World Test Championship

Overall Performance:

• • Competitive showing in England (1-2 loss in Test series)
  • Positive results against India and New Zealand

Jayasuriya's Background and Credentials

Playing Career:

• • One of Sri Lanka's greatest players
  • Played 110 Tests, 445 ODIs, and 31 T20Is
  • Scored over 21,000 runs across formats
  • Took 440 international wickets
  • Key member of the 1996 World Cup-winning team
  • Reached the 2007 World Cup final

Post-Retirement Roles:

• • Served as Member of Parliament (2010-2015)
  • Chief selector for Sri Lanka Cricket in two separate stints
  • Banned for two years in 2019 under ICC's anti-corruption code

Coaching Approach:

• • Known for his aggressive batting style as a player
  • Expected to bring a dynamic approach to coaching