Sanath Jayasuriya has been one of the stalwarts of Sri Lankan cricket. His first assignment will be the home series against India.
New Delhi: Former Sri Lanka opener Sanath Jayasuriya has been appointed as the interim head coach of the national team for the upcoming white-ball series against India. Jayasuriya had revealed on Monday that he was approached by Sri Lanka Cricket to replace Chris Silverwood, who resigned after the island nation’s group-stage elimination from the T20 World Cup 2024 in the USA and the West Indies.
The former southpaw had previously worked as the national team selector. He has also played a pivotal role as a consultant, overseeing the progress of players and coaches at the High-Performance Center in Khettarama. “Sri Lanka Cricket wishes to announce the appointment of Mr. Sanath Jayasuriya as the ‘Interim Head Coach’ of the national team. He will function in the position until the completion of Sri Lanka’s tour of England in September 2024,” the SLC said in a statement.
Silverwood was appointed as the head coach of the side in April 2022. During his tenure, Sri Lanka experienced several highs and lows and won the 2022 Asia Cup, thus showcasing their potential and skill. However, they struggled at the ODI World Cup in 2023 in India. The Lankans reached the Asia Cup final last year but were overwhelmed by India.
In the T20 World Cup 2024, Sri Lanka failed to qualify for the Super 8 stage after managing just one win in the group stage. They finished third in Group C behind South Africa and Bangladesh. Silverwood said in a statement that he was quitting the role to spend more time with his family after having worked for more than two years with the islanders.
Jayasuriya, with his vast international experience and deep ties to Sri Lanka cricket, is poised to make a significant impact on the team’s future. He played 586 matches for Sri Lanka across all three formats of the game, smashing 42 centuries and taking 440 wickets. He played his last international game in 2011. He will take charge after the commencement of ongoing Lanka Premier League. Post India series, Sri Lanka will tour England later in the month.
