Sanath Jayasuriya To Abandon Sri Lanka After T20 World Cup Exit

Jayasuriya to step down as SL head coach [Source: AFP, X]

In a significant development, it has been understood that Sanath Jayasuriya will step down as the Sri Lanka head coach after the team's Super 8 exit from the T20 World Cup. Under Dasun Shanaka's leadership, Sri Lanka blew hot and cold in the competition, as two consecutive Super 8 defeats stamped their elimination from the T20 World Cup. 

While Dasun Shanaka has promised the Lankan fans a turnaround, Sri Lanka's last Super 8 match against Pakistan is expected to be Sanath Jayasuriya's final game as the head coach. 

Sanath Jayasuriya to bid adieu as Sri Lanka head coach

Former cricketer and legendary opener Sanath Jayasuriya was roped in as Sri Lanka's interim head coach back in July 2024. As the Lankan side enjoyed remarkable success in his tenure, the Sri Lankan cricket board appointed Jayasuriya as the full-time head coach on October 1, 2024.

Considering Sanath Jayasuriya earned a two-year contract with the SLC, his tenure as the head coach is valid until October 2026. 

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However, the talismanic all-rounder had earlier revealed that he would vacate the position after the T20 World Cup, and, as per the latest reports, Jayasuriya has maintained his stance. 

According to Sri Lanka's reliable media agency 'Ada Derana', Jayasuriya wants to step down as the head coach following the team's failure to reach the semifinal of the tournament. 

The aforementioned news agency had approached Jayasuriya, inquiring if he would continue as a part of the Lankan leadership group. 

However, the paper claimed that the ex-opener has no intention of serving as the head coach and would resign from his role after Sri Lanka's final Super 8 match against Pakistan at the Pallekele International Stadium. 

Sri Lanka's performance in Sanath Jayasuriya's coaching tenure

The former captain had an outstanding start to his coaching career, guiding Sri Lanka to a historic ODI series triumph over India on home soil. 

His strategic decision to make India choke by unleashing a spin-heavy attack paid rich dividends, as the Lankan Lions stunned a formidable Indian team by two-nil. 

Although Jayasuriya was initially hired on an interim basis, Sri Lanka's memorable victory in the Oval Test against England paved the way for his full-time appointment. 

The swashbuckling southpaw thus played a pivotal role in the resurgence of the Sri Lankan team amid persistent backlash for repeated failures on big occasions. 

Having said that, Sri Lanka lost their mojo despite a promising start to the T20 World Cup 2026. After securing emphatic wins over Oman, Ireland and Australia, the co-hosts succumbed to crushing defeats against Zimbabwe, England and New Zealand, denting their chances of qualifying for the semifinal. 

Sri Lanka to play for pride Vs Pakistan

Given they are already out of the T20 World Cup semifinal race, Dasun Shanaka-led Sri Lanka will play for their pride in the final game against Pakistan. Shanaka has already urged his troops for an inspiring comeback, and the Lankans would be desperate to conclude the tournament on a high note. 

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