Sanath promises a fiery brand of cricket

by Rex Clementine

With an 18-month stint as Head Coach in his pocket, Sanath Jayasuriya is all set to inject ambition and adrenaline into the national cricket team’s veins, steering the ship through to the 2026 T20 World Cup, which Sri Lanka will co-host with India. After his short but stellar tenure as Interim Head Coach, where he led Sri Lanka to unexpected series victories over India and New Zealand and a rare Test win over England – all teams ranked above Sri Lanka – there’s a palpable sense of optimism in the air.

When the dust settled on Chris Silverwood’s exit, SLC was left with little choice but to lock in Jayasuriya on a temporary basis. His impressive turnaround in those two months left the board with what was essentially a Hobson’s choice. Jayasuriya has brought a fresh breeze into the dressing room, and now he’s ready to fan it into a full-blown storm.

“This is something beyond my wildest dreams,” Jayasuriya shared, beaming with enthusiasm. “I stepped in temporarily, but as I worked with these players, I could see the mountains we could climb together. I’m grateful to SLC for putting their faith in me.”

Sri Lanka’s ninth-place finish in last year’s World Cup and a disheartening 2-0 whitewash by Pakistan left fans wondering if the nation’s cricket glory days were buried for good. Jayasuriya, however, has been the spark that’s brought the team back from the brink, but he’s no sorcerer.

“I’m no magician with a wand,” he quipped. “All I’ve done is to instill confidence. My door is always open, and I believe in communicating directly. There’s been a lot of planning, and with the incredible support staff I have, we’ve had a stroke of luck as well.”

Jayasuriya’s focus has been on building a camaraderie that allows players to leave stress at the door, switching off once they cross the boundary line. “Once off the field, they’re relaxed– just the way it should be. There’s no sense in shackling yourself with unnecessary pressure. Cricket is to be enjoyed. On the field they are totally focused and committed.”

A stickler for meritocracy, he emphasized, “I don’t play favourites. I pick the best team every time.” Jayasuriya also champions an aggressive batting philosophy. “If you can hammer out a century in 75 balls in Test cricket, go for it! I encourage players to bat positively. Get a start, and turn it into a big one. Big hundreds win matches.”

Dispelling rumours of contract quibbles, SLC CEO Ashley de Silva highlighted Jayasuriya’s dedication. “Money wasn’t even in the conversation. Sanath took the terms offered and got right to work – even before the ink was dry on the contract.”

Today, the Sri Lankan team head to Dambulla for training, gearing up for a three-match T20 series against the West Indies, followed by the ODI series in Pallekele. The stage is set; Sri Lankan cricket is ready for liftoff.