How Sanath turned a sinking ship into a cricketing juggernaut

by Rex Clementine

Few could have imagined the meteoric rise of Sri Lankan cricket team over the past three months. A team once stranded in the shadows of the ICC rankings, mired in mediocrity for over a decade, has suddenly transformed into a force that even the giants of world cricket now fear. Last year’s humiliating defeats have been replaced by triumphs that have sent shockwaves through the cricketing world.

A 27-year drought against India was washed away in August when Rohit Sharma’s men were forced to swallow a bitter pill of defeat. England, riding high on their audacious ‘Bazball’ wave, found their tactics unraveling as Sri Lanka broke a decade-long curse. Then came the mighty Kiwis, unbeaten in a series against Sri Lanka for 15 years, only to be steamrolled in a lopsided contest that saw the hosts triumph 2-0. The team is now firing on all cylinders, but how did this remarkable turnaround come to pass?

The answer lies in the steady hands of one man: Sanath Teran Jayasuriya. Sri Lanka’s Head Coach hasn’t conjured these victories out of thin air, nor does he possess a magic wand. Instead, his secret lies in meticulous planning, backed by a personal touch that has unlocked the full potential of his players.

“They have my trust and respect. I’ve simply given them confidence and freedom,” Jayasuriya shared after the emphatic win in Galle. “The door to my room is always open. Whether it’s about cricket or something else, they know I’m there for them. When players feel that level of support from their coach, they play with freedom.”

Slowly but surely, that sense of freedom has breathed life into the dressing room, turning it into a sanctuary where pressure dissipates and joy takes root. “International sport is a pressure cooker, but if you focus on the basics and let the team breathe, miracles aren’t necessary,” he added with a smile.

Jayasuriya, ever humble, is quick to deflect praise to his support staff, a group he describes as the backbone of the team’s resurgence. His decision to put faith in a team of local coaches has already begun to bear fruit, as they collectively shape Sri Lanka into a side brimming with potential.

“I’ve got a dedicated group behind me, and we make decisions together. Before every game, we sit down and strategize. It’s a team effort, and while we’re not yet a finished product, we’re working on tightening those loose ends,” Sanath explained.

One area where Jayasuriya has demanded nothing short of excellence is in fielding. He’s raised the bar, expecting his players to treat every run and every catch like gold dust.

“When I took charge, I made it clear that energy in the field was non-negotiable. You might have a bad day with the bat or the ball, but there’s no excuse for laziness in the field. Fielding is where we show our character. I also put pressure on them to run hard between the wickets—turn singles into twos, and twos into threes. These little things may seem insignificant, but they can turn the tide in tight games.”

As a former Test captain, Jayasuriya has a reputation for nurturing young talent, and he’s continuing that legacy as coach. He’s tipped Milan Ratnayake to be Sri Lanka’s next big thing, urging the nation to support this rising star.

“Milan has already shown his potential in England as a fine all-rounder. Now, it’s about giving him the confidence to go further. I’m working with him to extend his batting sessions and fine-tune his bowling. He’s a rare gem, and we need to handle him with care,” Jayasuriya said, his eyes filled with optimism.