On becoming the head coach of Sri Lanka, Jayasuriya said – it is all a matter of confidence and trust

Colombo, 8 October (Hindustan Reporter) Sri Lanka's newly appointed head coach Sanath Jayasuriya said “confidence and trust” were the main reasons behind their success.

Earlier on Monday, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) confirmed that former cricketer Jayasuriya will continue in his role as head coach of the men's team until the end of March in 2026.

Speaking to reporters, Jayasuriya said Sri Lanka lacked “confidence and trust” ahead of the team.

He said, “I have always said that it is all about confidence and trust. I built it around the team and that's very important. And I think there was a little bit of luck in it, too. You can work very hard, but you also need luck sometimes.”

He said that there are good and talented cricketers in the team.

“The players are determined to perform well,” he said. They know what they have had to face in the last few years. They were really disappointed and I asked people to support the Sri Lankan cricketers. He is a good cricketer and he is talented. I just gave them confidence and I am with them. They can talk to me and discuss any topic.”

Jayasuriya has been in the top job as interim coach since Chris Silverwood stepped down after the T20 World Cup 2024 in June, but has now got an extension after some recent successes during the ongoing ICC World Test Championship. The former Sri Lankan opener took charge of the Sri Lankan Test team to victory over England at The Oval and two consecutive wins over the Kiwis on home soil, while he also oversaw a successful ODI series win over India.

The player will get the opportunity to lead his team in the ICC Champions Trophy next year in Pakistan and possibly the World Test Championship final at Lord's in June.