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"What We’ve Done Is...": Sanath Jayasuriya On Sri Lanka's ODI Transformation

Kaushik Kashyap

Charith Asalanka and Sanath Jayasuriya. [Source - Basith Subhani/x.com]Charith Asalanka and Sanath Jayasuriya. [Source - Basith Subhani/x.com]

Once struggling to find consistency, Sri Lanka has shown a remarkable fightback in One Day Internationals (ODIs), becoming one of the most improved sides in world cricket over the past year. From a team that hovered around the bottom of the ICC ODI rankings, Sri Lanka’s journey back to form has been nothing short of inspirational.

The Lankan Rebuild: Powered by Jayasuriya and Asalanka

Ranked 9th not long ago, they now sit at 4th in the ICC ODI team rankings, reflecting a renewed version of themselves, discipline, and purpose. With a young squad filled with promise and a blend of experience, the Lankans have surprised many with their performance, particularly in high-pressure matches, like we saw recently in the first ODI against Bangladesh on Wednesday.

Sri Lankan men’s coach Sanath Jayasuriya opened up on how much this achievement means to him and credited both himself and captain Charith Asalanka for the transformation. While speaking to the media ahead of the second ODI against Bangladesh, Jayasuriya expressed pride in the team’s rise.

"Charith Asalanka has played a key role alongside me. What we have done is to give players confidence and get the best out of them. Players worked very hard and that has enabled us to move forward,” Jayasuriya said as quoted by ESPNCricinfo.

Asalanka has indeed been phenomenal, leading his team from the front like he showed once again recently in the first ODI against Bangladesh on Wednesday. He has averaged 46.83 since becoming the ODI captain and has risen to the occasion more often than not, keeping Sri Lanka in moments of trouble.

There have been many instances where Asalanka powered Sri Lanka to victory through his bat and moments of inspiration as a leader. Under his leadership and Jayasuriya’s guidance, Sri Lanka now looks to continue their momentum in the 50-over format and erase the horrors of the 2023 World Cup in India, where they finished 9th. 

Sri Lanka has won 10 of their last 14 ODIs, beating top-tier teams like India, New Zealand, West Indies, and Australia, and now appears to be on the right track to becoming a formidable side ahead of the 2027 World Cup in South Africa.