Sanath Jayasuriya, recently appointed as Sri Lanka’s interim head coach, has taken responsibility for the team’s loss in the three-match T20I series against India in July. Jayasuriya stepped into the role following the resignation of Chris Silverwood, who departed after an underwhelming performance at the T20 World Cup 2024.
In a candid admission, Jayasuriya acknowledged the frustrations of Sri Lankan cricket fans, who have expressed disappointment with the national team’s recent performances. He called on supporters to rally behind the team as they prepare for the upcoming ODI series, emphasizing the players’ dedication and effort. “The players are working extremely hard, and I urge the fans to come out and support them during the ODIs,” he said.
Jayasuriya noted that while the team has shown promising signs in recent matches, such as strong starts and improved fielding, these positives have not translated into victories. “We’ve implemented a system where our top-order batsmen can practice for extended periods. For instance, Kamindu Mendis faced over 600 deliveries in training, and Kusal Perera faced over 700. The commitment is there, but we need to better manage pressure situations and improve our cricketing awareness,” he explained.
Reflecting on the series, Jayasuriya pointed out that Sri Lanka had made good starts in all three games, particularly in the rain-affected second match where a stronger finish could have changed the outcome. He also praised the team’s fielding improvements, except for some lapses in the first game. Despite these efforts, he stressed that winning matches remains the ultimate goal.
“As a coach, it’s disheartening when we don’t achieve the desired results, but we must accept criticism. It’s part of the journey, and both the coaching staff and players need to take responsibility. Every cricketer faces tough phases in their career, and it’s important to learn from them and continue to build confidence and support,” Jayasuriya concluded.
