Sanath Jayasuriya Archives

Sanath Jayasuriya to step down as Sri Lanka head coach after World Cup setback

Legendary former captain Sanath Jayasuriya has decided to step down as head coach of the Sri Lanka men’s team, bringing an end to a tenure that began with historic promise but concluded in disappointment at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.

Jayasuriya confirmed his intention to relinquish the role following Sri Lanka’s narrow five-run defeat to Pakistan in Pallekele, a result that ended their Super Eight campaign without a victory.

Although he has yet to formally notify Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), the former opener revealed that he had already made up his mind months ago that this World Cup would be his final assignment in charge.

“I thought it was time to give it to someone else,” Jayasuriya said at the post-match press conference. “About two months ago, during the England series, I said I didn’t have hopes of staying in the job for long. I had taken this decision by then.”

He admitted he had hoped to bow out on a high.

“I thought I’d be able to leave as coach on a good note in the World Cup. I wasn’t able to do that as well as I’d like, and I’m sad about that,” he added.

Jayasuriya’s current contract runs until June 2026, and he clarified that discussions with the board are still pending.

With a limited-overs home series against the Afghanistan national cricket team scheduled to begin on March 13, SLC may yet request him to oversee that assignment.

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“My contract runs till June. I haven’t given SLC any news officially yet. They don’t even know I am going to say this,” he said. “If they can get somebody [to coach the team], then definitely they should do that.”

Sanath Jayasuriya initially took charge on an interim basis after the 2024 T20 World Cup and enjoyed immediate success. Under his guidance, Sri Lanka secured their first bilateral ODI series win over India in 27 years in August 2024.

That resurgence continued with a memorable Test victory over the England cricket team at The Oval, followed by a dominant 2-0 home Test series sweep against New Zealand.

Those achievements led to his full-time appointment on October 1, 2024; however, the momentum proved difficult to sustain.

Sri Lanka delivered a modest showing at the ACC Asia Cup 2025 and failed to impress in a T20I tri-series in Pakistan.

Their World Cup preparation also raised concerns after a 3-0 T20I series whitewash against England, which immediately preceded the global event.

Jayasuriya had previously served as chief selector in two separate stints.

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Sanath Jayasuriya likely to continue as full-time head coach of Sri Lanka: reports

Former Sri Lanka captain Sanath Jayasuriya is likely to continue as the full-time head coach of the national men’s team as the country’s cricket board is contemplating extending his contract, Cricinfo reported.

Jayasuriya took charge as the interim head coach back in July, replacing former England pacer Chris Silverwood in the role, who stepped down from his position following Sri Lanka’s dismal ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 campaign.

However, according to reports, the team’s recent performances under Jayasuriya have prompted Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) to extend his contract and appoint him as the full-time head coach.

“We are in the final stages of negotiating the contract with him,” board CEO Ashley de Silva told ESPNcricinfo.

“Probably in the next two or three days, you will get to hear more.”

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Under Sanath Jayasuriya, Sri Lanka whitewashed New Zealand in the two-match home Test series today. It’s worth noting that this is Sri Lanka’s first series victory against New Zealand since a 2-0 win at home in 2009.

Prior to that, Sri Lanka defeated England in the Oval Test earlier this month and won a home ODI series against India.

Meanwhile, senior all-rounder Angelo Mathews also voiced his support for Jayasuriya, praising his efforts in grooming the players.

“Sanath Jayasuriya was superb as cricket director and now as a coach,” he said. “He communicates well and has given us a lot of freedom,” said Mathews.

“We are all working towards one goal, and now everyone is on the same page. He’s also done a superb job grooming the players. He has been amazing. I wish him all the very best.”

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Sri Lanka head coach reveals reason behind series loss against India

Sri Lanka head coach Sanath Jayasuriya recently revealed the reasons behind his side’s thumping loss in the home T20I series against India.

The visitors whitewashed Sri Lanka in Jayasuriya’s first series as head coach, having assumed the role last month after former England pacer Chris Silverwood stepped role from the position.

The former captain shared that the players gave their best in training sessions but their inability to handle pressure in difficult situations and bad shot selection led to the disappointing result.

For the unversed, in the last match, Sri Lanka were required to score 28 runs in 29 balls with nine wickets in hand, however, they went on to lose the match in Super Over.

“The third game should never have gone to a Super Over,” said Jayasuriya. “We have created a system where top-order batters could bat for two or three hours during training.”

“I don’t see a lack of commitment, but they have got to tackle pressure better. Their cricket awareness also needs sharpening.”

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He pointed out that the batting of Sri Lanka’s top three was one of the few positives from the T20I series.

“If you see, in the last three games, we started well. That’s what you’re looking for – for the top three-four to bat well, which we did. That is a positive sign,” he added.

“Apart from the first game, we fielded really well, we fielded well… But still, there is no excuse for us to say anything, and for us to win is the ultimate thing.”

Jayasuriya also expressed his disappointment and accepted responsibility for the series loss.

“It’s disappointing as a coach, but we have to take the criticism as well, as a coach, as a support staff, as a team. We are taking responsibility, you can’t go away from that,” he stated.

Following the T20I series, the three-match ODI series between India and Sri Lanka has kicked off today at the R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium in Colombo.

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Sanath Jayasuriya to take charge as the head coach of Sri Lanka

Former Sri Lanka captain and current chief selector Sanath Jayasuriya announced on Monday that he will take charge as the head coach of the national team.

Jayasuriya will be replacing former England pacer Chris Silverwood in the role, who stepped down from his position following Sri Lanka’s dismal ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 campaign.

The former captain revealed that he was approached by Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) to take over the role for the upcoming series against India and the tour to England in August, which he delightfully accepted.

“I have been asked to take over coaching, and I am delighted to accept,” Jayasuriya said.

Sanath Jayasuriya has represented Sri Lanka in 586 international matches across three formats from 1989 to 2011. He will take charge as the head coach in the white-ball series against India, featuring three T20Is and three ODIs, later this month.

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For the unversed, Silverwood cited personal reasons for his resignation as the head coach of Sri Lanka. He held the position for two years, starting from April 2022.

“Being an international coach means long periods away from loved ones. After lengthy conversations with my family and with a heavy heart, I feel it is now time for me to return home and spend some quality time together,” said Silverwood.

“I would like to thank the players, coaches, backroom staff, and management of the SLC for their support during my time in Sri Lanka. Without your support, none of the success would have been possible.”

Sri Lanka won the Asia Cup 2022 under Silverwood’s tenure and reached the final of the 2023 edition, where they were decimated by India.

The Asian side also defeated Australia in a home ODI series, however, they failed to reach the knockout stage of any of the ICC tournaments with Chris Silverwood at the helm.

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