Sanath Jayasuriya; guiding with experience, inspiring with passion

Rex Clementine in Galle

Let’s rewind to last year, a time when the national cricket team was stumbling like a toddler learning to walk. Pakistan swept us 2-0 in our own backyard, India handed us a record-breaking hammering in the ODIs, and to top it all off, we limped home ninth in the World Cup, getting kicked out of the Champions Trophy for good measure. It wasn’t just a fall from grace; it was more like we tumbled headfirst off a cliff. The decline was so obvious even the greats of the game couldn’t resist commenting that Sri Lankan cricket was running on fumes.

But hold on! Fast forward to this year, and it’s like someone hit the reset button. Almost the same team that was sinking faster than a stone in the ocean has risen like a phoenix, and what a comeback it’s been! A meticulous mix of planning, attitude adjustments, revamped training methods, and some smart selections have worked wonders.

Last year’s World Cup flops beat India in an ODI series after a drought of 27 long years. It’s not just a win, it’s like finding water in the desert! Then, they pulled off a Test match victory in England after a decade of trying and failing. And as we speak, halfway through the second Test against New Zealand in Galle, Sri Lanka’s poised to win their first series against the Kiwis in 15 years! Toss in the fact that they’re well-positioned in the World Test Championship, with a possible shot at the finals at Lord’s, and you’ve got a team that’s gone from zero to hero.

So, what’s the magic trick?

Enter Sanath Jayasuriya, the new head coach, and boy, has he been a game-changer. Sanath didn’t just show up; he rolled up his sleeves and got his hands dirty. Before him, we had consultant coaches who loved the power but weren’t so keen on the responsibility – a bit like giving someone the keys to a Rolls-Royce and watching them park it in the garage all day. But Sanath? He’s been hands-on, leaving no stone unturned.

Sure, he’s left the nitty-gritty – batting, bowling, fielding techniques – to the expert coaches. But when it comes to planning, decision-making, and managing the team, he’s the conductor of this cricket symphony. He’s like a velvet hammer: soft as silk when needed, but can hit hard like a sledgehammer when the situation calls for it. He’s mastered the balance of knowing when to offer a pat on the back and when to crack the whip.

And he’s brought in a unique coaching system tailored specifically to Sri Lanka. None of that over advanced Australian stuff where a David Warner can afford to take a day off before a big game. Sanath knows better – you let 20-year-old Dunith Wellalage take a day off, and that’s asking for trouble. We need what works for us, and Sanath knows this inside out.

Another stroke of genius? Sanath’s eye for talent when it comes to support staff. Take Upul Chandana, who was quietly making magic with the Under-19s as Fielding Coach. His talents were being wasted there while the national team’s fielding was falling apart. Sanath swooped in and made the switch, and boom – just like that, Sri Lanka’s fielding has turned a corner. On their recent tour of England, they took 40 catches and dropped only two – not bad for a team that couldn’t catch a cold just a year ago!

This turnaround has been nothing short of remarkable. Compare this to the World Cup horror show, where dropped catches were as common as tuk-tuks in Maligawatta. Back then, coaches were arrogant, ignoring the obvious problems. But now? Everything’s clicking into place.

And it’s not just the on-field performances. Chairman of Selectors, Upul Tharanga, deserves credit for his sharp eye, too. One of his first moves was to make Kamindu Mendis an all-format player – a bold call after Mendis had been sidelined for two years. It’s moves like this that show you’ve got selectors who know what they’re doing, and aren’t afraid to shake things up.

Take the decision to bench Ramesh Mendis for the second Test, even after he took six wickets in the first. Lesser selectors would’ve stuck with him, but these guys saw what needed fixing and acted. That’s the kind of bold thinking that’s driving this revival.

The result? The fans are back. The sponsors are back. But let’s not get carried away just yet – there’s still work to be done. The domestic structure is solid, but we need to keep building on it. The Under-19 and Sri Lanka ‘A’ teams are getting plenty of action, which is crucial. These investments might not pay off right away, but they’re planting the seeds for a brighter future.

Next on the to-do list? Improving fitness, injury prevention, and management. Because if there’s one thing we’ve learned, it’s that success in cricket isn’t a sprint – it’s a marathon. And this time, Sri Lanka is in it for the long haul.