Sanath Jayasuriya Appointed Sri Lanka’s Interim Head Coach

08
Jul/24

Sportzyverse
Cricket news
07/08/2024
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Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has announced the appointment of former cricketer Sanath Jayasuriya as the interim head coach of the senior men’s team. This decision follows the resignation of former coach Chris Silverwood, who stepped down after Sri Lanka’s disappointing performance in the recently concluded T20 World Cup. The team failed to advance to the Super Eights, leading to Silverwood taking responsibility and offering his resignation.

T20 World Cup Disappointment

Entering the T20 World Cup, Sri Lanka was considered a strong contender for the title. The team boasted quality spinners and batters and was capable of advancing to the next round. However, a collective failure saw them exit the tournament early, failing to meet expectations. Despite Silverwood’s otherwise commendable tenure with the national team, the World Cup disappointment proved too significant, resulting in his resignation.

Sanath Jayasuriya, who had served as a consultant during the T20 World Cup, has been promoted to interim head coach. SLC, however, is actively seeking a permanent replacement for Silverwood. Jayasuriya, a former opener, will temporarily lead the team through the upcoming home series against India and England. SLC is anticipated to appoint a full-time head coach following these series.

The 55-year-old Jayasuriya brings a wealth of experience to his new role. Starting in December 2023, he served as Sri Lanka’s cricket consultant, overseeing both players and coaches at the High-Performance Centre in Khettarama. His extensive knowledge and understanding of the game make him a valuable asset during this transitional period.

Upcoming Home Series

Sri Lanka’s immediate assignment under Jayasuriya’s leadership will be a T20I series against India, beginning on July 27. Many players from the T20 World Cup-winning squad are expected to return, with those performing well in the series against Zimbabwe likely replacing key Indian players such as Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravindra Jadeja.

Meanwhile, India is also experiencing a coaching transition. Rahul Dravid’s tenure ended with the team’s T20 World Cup success, and former cricketer Gautam Gambhir is expected to replace him. Reports suggest that the paperwork for Gambhir’s appointment is complete, and an official announcement is imminent. His first assignment will be the series against Jayasuriya’s Sri Lanka, promising an exciting contest given the aggressive playing styles both coaches exhibited during their cricketing careers.