Sanath Teran Jayasuriya

The article on the impact of sports personalities on both their sport and society at large would be incomplete without due consideration of Sanath Jayasuriya. Hailing from Matara, Sri Lanka, Jayasuriya’s prolific cricket career, characterized by his aggressive batting and canny spin bowling, has been paralleled by his commendable contributions as a humanitarian and political entity. His ascent from the cricket pitches of Sri Lanka to international eminence, including his role as a United Nations Goodwill Ambassador, exemplifies a narrative rich with athletic prowess and civic engagement.

Sanath Jayasuriya Batting Career Stats

Bowling Career Stats

Career Information

Test debut vs New Zealand at Seddon Park, Feb 22, 1991

Last Test vs England at Asgiriya Stadium, Dec 01, 2007

ODI debut vs Australia at Melbourne Cricket Ground, Dec 26, 1989

Last ODI vs England at Kennington Oval, Jun 28, 2011

T20 debut vs England at The Rose Bowl, Jun 15, 2006

Last T20 vs England at County Ground, Jun 25, 2011

IPL debut vs Royal Challengers Bangalore at Wankhede Stadium, Apr 20, 2008

Last IPL vs Rajasthan Royals at Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Apr 11, 2010

Early Life - Biography

Sanath Jayasuriya’s genesis in the realm of cricket can be traced back to his birth in Matara, a prominent city in the southern part of Sri Lanka, to parents Dunstan and Breeda Jayasuriya. His familial context included an elder sibling, Chandana Jayasuriya. His educational journey unfolded at St. Servatius’ College, Matara, where he received pivotal cricketing mentorship from school principal G.L. Galappathy and cricket coach Lionel Wagasinghe. This institution served as a crucible for his burgeoning cricketing abilities.

During his tenure at St. Servatius College, Jayasuriya distinguished himself in the cricketing field, culminating in his captaincy of the college cricket team for the esteemed St. Thomas’–St. Servatius Cricket Encounter in the year 1988. This period marked a significant epoch in Jayasuriya’s early career, highlighted by his accolade as the ‘Observer Schoolboy Cricketer of the Year’ in the Outstation Segment, alongside receiving the ‘Best Batsman’ and ‘Best All-rounder’ awards at the Observer School Cricket Awards ceremony in the same year. His cricketing acumen was further recognized at an international level when he represented Sri Lanka in the inaugural ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup in Australia, 1988. Subsequent to this, he was selected for a tour in Pakistan with the Sri Lanka ‘B’ team, where he achieved noteworthy success, including two unbeaten double centuries. These accomplishments precipitated his selection for the national team’s tour to Australia in 1989–90. Jayasuriya’s international cricket career formally commenced with his One Day International debut against Australia in Melbourne on Boxing Day of 1989, followed by his Test debut against New Zealand in Hamilton in February 1991.

Career Way of Sanath Jayasuriya

Sanath Jayasuriya’s remarkable tenure in cricket includes a notable achievement where he established a pinnacle in Sri Lankan cricket history with his score of 340 against India in 1997, the highest Test score by a Sri Lankan at that juncture. His contribution was a vital component of a second-wicket partnership with Roshan Mahanama, amassing 576 runs, thereby setting a historical benchmark for Test cricket partnerships. This record was subsequently surpassed in July 2006. Jayasuriya also reached a significant milestone as the inaugural Sri Lankan to partake in 100 Test matches on 20 September 2005.

Jayasuriya’s declaration of retirement from Test cricket was made public in April 2006, following the tour against Pakistan. However, this decision was reevaluated, and he participated in the Sri Lankan tour of England in May 2006. He announced a conclusive retirement from Test cricket after scoring 78 runs against England in Kandy in 2007.

Jayasuriya was the record-holder for the fastest half-century, century, and one hundred and fifty runs in One Day International cricket for Sri Lanka. His achievements included records that stood for nearly two decades, indicative of his dominance in the sport during his era. Despite the evolution of the game and the introduction of more aggressive playing conditions, his records in speed scoring were only recently surpassed.

In the One Day International domain, Jayasuriya’s pinnacle score of 189 runs remains the highest by a Sri Lankan. His international match contributions are significant, with 110 Test matches played, and in 445 ODI matches, he achieved a substantial number of wins. Jayasuriya previously held the fastest century record and most sixes in ODIs until these were surpassed by other players. His exceptional performance during the Natwest series in England in May 2006, including two centuries and a groundbreaking partnership, underscored his cricketing prowess.

In the 2007 ICC World Twenty20, Jayasuriya stepped away from his traditional equipment preferences, which garnered attention alongside his performance, achieving two half-centuries. However, he also recorded one of the most expensive bowling figures in a Twenty20 international. Jayasuriya’s commitment to Twenty20 cricket extended to his participation in the Indian Premier League and the English domestic Twenty20 Cup, with notable performances in both leagues.

Captaincy and All-Round Performance Review

Jayasuriya’s captaincy tenure for the Sri Lankan cricket team is distinguished by his leadership in numerous Test matches and One Day Internationals, steering the team into the knockout stage of the 2003 cricket world cup. His all-round cricketing skills were exemplified by his significant contributions with both bat and ball. As a left-arm orthodox spin bowler, Jayasuriya complemented Sri Lanka’s primary bowlers, contributing to a balanced attack, while also achieving a substantial wicket tally in his international career. His fielding capabilities were equally commendable, with statistical evidence from Cricinfo showcasing his proficiency in effecting run-outs in ODI cricket post the 1999 Cricket World Cup.

Sanath Jayasuriya Play Technique - Bowling and Batting Style

Sanath Jayasuriya, in tandem with his opening partner Romesh Kaluwitharana, pioneered a revolutionary strategy in One Day International (ODI) batting during the 1996 Cricket World Cup. This approach, initially trialed during their preceding tour of Australia, entailed an aggressive exploitation of the early fielding restrictions, a significant departure from the conventional gradual momentum-building strategy. They executed this by assertively attacking the opening bowlers, frequently propelling the ball over the infield, thus transforming the dynamics of the opening phase of an innings. This innovative methodology, groundbreaking at the time, was instrumental in elevating Sri Lanka from a team previously unnoted for World Cup successes to an undefeated champion. Their tactical evolution has since become a standard framework for opening batting in the modern era of limited-overs cricket. Notably, Glenn McGrath, in his enumeration of the most formidable batsmen he faced, lauded Jayasuriya, remarking that his vigorous innings during the 1996 World Cup fundamentally altered prevailing perceptions of initiating an innings.

Jayasuriya’s batting repertoire, characterized by his adept cuts and pulls, was further distinguished by his lofted cut over point. His pivotal role in Sri Lanka’s 1996 Cricket World Cup victory was recognized with the Man of the Tournament accolade, a testament to his considerable all-around contributions. His batting approach was marked by a distinct aggression, enabling him to dominate a wide array of one-day bowling combinations over his career. His capacity for substantial, swift, match-winning contributions upon establishing himself at the crease led to his accumulation of the second-highest tally of one day centuries and a joint fourth position in the most 150+ scores in one-day internationals, sharing this distinction with Chris Gayle and Hashim Amla. Only Rohit Sharma, David Warner, and Sachin Tendulkar have exceeded his record of 150+ runs in ODIs. Sri Lanka’s remarkable over 75% success rate in matches where Jayasuriya scored over 50 runs in limited-overs cricket underscores the impact of his performances. In reflecting on the most formidable bowlers he encountered, Jayasuriya cited Wasim Akram, Shane Warne, Glenn McGrath, Courtney Walsh, and Curtly Ambrose.

In his capacity as a bowler, Jayasuriya was recognized as a left-arm orthodox spinner, notable for his expeditious completion of overs. Uncharacteristic for a spinner, his arsenal included faster deliveries and yorkers, which contributed significantly to his bowling success. Throughout his international career, Jayasuriya secured 440 wickets, including six instances of 5-wicket hauls. His most commendable bowling performance in a single ODI innings was recorded as 6 for 29 against England in 1993, a benchmark for Sri Lankan bowlers in ODIs until surpassed by Muttiah Muralitharan in 2000. His most impressive Test match figures, 9 for 74, were achieved against Zimbabwe in the 2001/2002 season.

A highlight of Jayasuriya’s bowling career was manifested in the semi-final of the 1996 Cricket World Cup. His performance, characterized by taking three wickets for a mere 12 runs in seven overs, was pivotal, notably capturing the critical wicket of Sachin Tendulkar. Jayasuriya’s contribution during the knockout stages of the 1996 World Cup was instrumental, securing 6 wickets across three games. His overall contribution as an all-rounder in World Cups is underscored by his aggregate of 27 wickets, including 10 in the 2003 edition.

Personal Life Details - Politic Career, Family

Sanath Jayasuriya’s career trajectory extends well beyond his cricketing exploits, encompassing significant humanitarian and political engagements, as well as his family life. Distinguished as the first cricketer to be appointed a UN Goodwill Ambassador by UNAIDS, Geneva, Jayasuriya’s appointment underscores his commitment to HIV/AIDS prevention among youth in Sri Lanka. His foray into politics occurred in February 2010, when he contested as a candidate for the Matara District under the auspices of the United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA), aligning with the then-President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s party. Notably, his cricket career continued parallel to his political endeavors, as evidenced by his significant electoral support in the Matara District, where he garnered 74,352 votes.

In the realm of governance, Jayasuriya was appointed as the deputy minister of Postal Services in the UPFA government in October 2013. A noteworthy anecdote from a 2003 interview with Charles Colville revealed Jayasuriya’s sense of humor, as he amusingly referred to a cricket match as a “holiday.” His tenure as Chief Selector for the cricket team concluded with his resignation on 3 April 2015.

Subsequent to his role as Chief Selector, on 10 June 2015, Jayasuriya, along with other UPFA parliamentarians, was sworn in as new deputy ministers by President Maithripala Sirisena, specifically serving as Deputy Minister of Local Government and Rural Development. This ministerial role was held until the dissolution of Parliament on 26 June 2015. In the 2015 elections, Jayasuriya chose not to seek re-election, instead supporting the campaign of the United National Party, which emerged victorious. Following the election, he was appointed chairman of selectors for Sri Lanka cricket.

In January 2018, Jayasuriya encountered a significant personal challenge, suffering from a severe knee injury that necessitated the use of crutches for mobility. He underwent surgical treatment in Melbourne and spent approximately a month in recovery.

In regards to his personal life, Jayasuriya’s marital history includes three unions. His first marriage was with Sumudhu Karunanayake, an Air Lanka Ground Hostess, from 1998 until their divorce in 1999. He then married Sandra De Silva, a former flight attendant of Sri Lankan Air Lines, in 2000; this marriage ended in divorce in 2012. His third marriage, to actress Maleeka Sirisenage, commenced in 2012. Jayasuriya is a father to three children: a son named Ranuka Jayasuriya, and two daughters, Yalindi Jayasuriya and Savindi Jayasuriya.

Conclusion

In summation, the chronicle of Sanath Jayasuriya transcends the conventional confines of athletic endeavor. His contributions to cricket—with seminal batting strategies and a plethora of records—have significantly influenced the sport’s evolution. Beyond the pitch, his humanitarian and political pursuits reflect a dedication to the broader welfare of society and a pursuit of progressive national development. Jayasuriya’s multifaceted identity as an athlete, advocate, statesman, and patriarch affirms his status as an eminent figure within the annals of sport and civic life, securing his place as a paragon within both Sri Lankan and international spheres.