Recent successes elevate Jayasuriya from Interim to Head Coach
Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has decided to appoint former cricket star Sanath Jayasuriya as the full time head coach for a period of one year, starting after the current Test series against New Zealand. This decision by SLC is crucial for Sri Lankan cricket, especially given the team’s recent performances and the need for stability.
As the interim head coach, Jayasuriya has shown his ability to motivate the team, which SLC recognises as they prepare to finalise Chris Silverwood’s successor. Jayasuriya stepped in as interim head coach for the series against India after Silverwood chose not to extend his contract, which had been initially extended to cover the England series.
During his interim period, Jayasuriya has achieved impressive results. Under his leadership, Sri Lanka won a 2-0 ODI series against India in August, bouncing back after a tough T20 series. The team also had a notable win at The Oval during the series in England, despite losing the series 2-1, which strengthened his case for the permanent role.
Angelo Mathews praised Jayasuriya’s influence on Friday. “He was superb as cricket director and now as coach. He communicates well, gives us freedom, and has done an amazing job grooming young players.We are working towards one goal, and everyone is on the same page. He has been amazing in guiding us to play the Sri Lankan way of cricket,” Mathews said.
In the ongoing series against New Zealand, Sri Lanka is currently leading 1-0, with a chance to win the two-match series 2-0. His ability to inspire players and utilise their skills effectively has been recognised.
“We are very impressed with his approach. He has maximised the players’ potential, instilled discipline, and emphasised that no player is irreplaceable,” said Ashley de Silva, the CEO of SLC.
Discipline and accountability are key aspects of Jayasuriya’s coaching philosophy, aligning well with the team’s need to regain its competitive edge. Jayasuriya’s coaching style mirrors the aggressive approach he took as a player. Known for his explosive batting, he encourages players to express themselves and adopt a more daring mindset. This change in mentality could greatly enhance the team’s performance, particularly in limited overs cricket.
However, it is essential to view these successes against the backdrop of the broader challenges facing Sri Lankan cricket. While the ODI victories are commendable, the team still faces issues in other formats, especially in Test cricket. The recent series in England revealed weaknesses, particularly in the top order batting lineup, which has struggled to provide consistent support. Aside from Kamindu Mendis and Pathum Nissanka, who performed well at The Oval, the team has had difficulty establishing a strong batting foundation.
Jayasuriya’s limited formal coaching experience might be seen as a disadvantage. Although he had a successful 20-year playing career and has recently taken on an interim coaching role, some may feel concerned about his lack of extensive coaching experience at the highest levels. Nevertheless, his interim success has made a strong case for his continued leadership.
Recognising these challenges, SLC has assured that Jayasuriya will receive support. De Silva mentioned plans to enhance Jayasuriya’s coaching team with experienced professionals on a short term basis to provide additional expertise.
“Jayasuriya has a good support staff, and we will bring in top coaches temporarily to assist him, the support staff, and the players,” he noted.
This collaborative approach aims to leverage a wealth of knowledge while maintaining a clear direction under Jayasuriya’s leadership.
Additionally, Jayasuriya’s ability to connect personally with players has been identified as a significant strength. His rapport with the squad and motivational skills have created a positive environment that fosters performance. The impact of his mentorship during his brief tenure suggests he could play a vital role in building a resilient and competitive team culture, which is essential for long term success.
The decision to appoint Jayasuriya as the full time head coach of Sri Lanka’s national cricket team is a strategic move by SLC to stabilise and revitalise the team’s performance.
While challenges remain, Jayasuriya’s recent achievements and engaging coaching style provide a promising foundation for the future. As he takes on this important role, the cricketing community will closely watch how his vision and leadership lead to sustained improvement and success for Sri Lankan cricket on the international stage. With the right support and a focus on developing talent, Jayasuriya has the potential to make a lasting impact on the team’s legacy.