In a significant move for Sri Lankan cricket, former Sri Lankan skipper Sanath Jayasuriya has been appointed as the interim head coach for the national team ahead of their forthcoming home series against India. Jayasuriya steps into the role vacated by Chris Silverwood, and will guide the team through their next two vital series – against India and England.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has confirmed that Jayasuriya will assume the head coach’s position until the conclusion of the team’s tour of England, which is scheduled to end in September 2024. This appointment means that the renowned cricketer will be steering the team during the limited-overs series against India, commencing on July 27. The series is composed of three T20 Internationals (T20Is) and an equal number of One Day Internationals (ODIs), where India and Sri Lanka will go head-to-head.
Ashley De Silva, the CEO of Sri Lanka Cricket, expressed his confidence in Jayasuriya’s capabilities while announcing the appointment. “Sanath, with his vast reservoir of international cricketing experience, is aptly positioned to guide the national team until we secure a permanent solution,” De Silva stated. This expression of confidence is rooted in Jayasuriya’s extensive history with the Sri Lankan cricketing framework, both as a player and an official.
Jayasuriya, one of the most prolific cricketers in the history of Sri Lanka, has played 586 international matches, amassing an impressive 21,032 runs across formats. His record is particularly notable in ODIs, where he has scored 13,430 runs from 445 matches, making him the second-highest run-scorer from his nation. His Test career is also marked by significant achievements, with 6,973 runs in 110 matches. In T20Is, he has played 31 matches, scoring 629 runs, further demonstrating his versatility and contribution to Sri Lankan cricket.
Before this appointment, Jayasuriya has served in various capacities within the cricketing domain. He has been the chief selector and acted as a consultant during the 2024 T20 World Cup.
. His experience as a selector and a strategist during key tournaments adds a layer of credibility to his role as an interim head coach.
Chris Silverwood, who was at the helm during the World Cup, stepped down from his position following the tournament’s conclusion. Under his leadership, Sri Lanka managed to secure only a single win from four matches in the group stages, leading to their early exit. This subpar performance in the World Cup capped off a series of mixed results during Silverwood’s tenure, which began on a high note with a T20 Asia Cup victory in 2022. However, the team finished as runners-up to India in the 2023 ODI Asia Cup.
The recent performance of the Sri Lankan team in the ODI World Cup was disappointing. The team managed to notch just two wins out of nine matches, finishing ninth among ten teams. This poor showing resulted in the team missing out on qualifying for the Champions Trophy 2025, as only the top-eight teams from the group stage secured their places in the global tournament.
Jayasuriya’s task is monumental, yet his deep understanding of the game and strategic acumen could provide the much-needed boost to the Sri Lankan squad. The challenges are immediate as they prepare to face a formidable Indian side, followed by the crucial tour of England.
The cricketing community and fans alike are keenly watching how Jayasuriya molds the team’s strategies and instills confidence among the players. His interim tenure will be a test of his leadership and ability to revamp the team’s tactics and morale in time for these significant series.
As the Sri Lankan team looks ahead to these challenging encounters, the appointment of a cricketing legend like Sanath Jayasuriya as interim head coach is seen as a strategic move that could potentially steer the team back to their winning ways. The legacy of Jayasuriya, both as a player and now as a coach, is poised to inspire the team to strive for excellence in the demanding months ahead.
