Major decision incoming? Sri Lanka star likely to act after early T20 World Cup 2026 exit
A major decision is likely to take place as the Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) may part ways from their coach and the former opening batter, Sanath Jayasuriya, post their team's exit from the T20 World Cup 2026 before the semifinals.
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A few reports have called for him to be sacked, while a few have urged him to step down, but the bottom line remains simple that the former Sri Lanka legend and their current head coach, Sanath Jayasuriya, is likely to step down from his current duties after the T20 World Cup 2026. The primary reason behind this is their poor performance with both bat and ball.
On home soil, Sri Lanka have failed to make it to the 20-over World Cup semifinal, while apart from their victory against Australia in the group stage, they didn’t win any big game. Even against Ireland in their curtain raiser, they struggled with the bat, and ended up losing the contest to Zimbabwe, England, and New Zealand from strong positions.
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There have been words that Jayasuriya could coach the side in his final game during the Super 8 encounter against Pakistan at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Kandy. Under him, they have done a decent job in the bilateral series.
Sanath Jayasuriya to resign from Sri Lanka coaching post T20 WC 2026
Jayasuriya’s tenure brought new energy and pride among the players, but now, it seems to have taken a hit. The reports have addressed that the inside members are not happy with how the team has prepared, especially using the old-school methods when it mattered the most in the Super 8 games.
Jayasuriya got the credit for turning things around in the white-ball format in late 2024 and through the 2025, but the spotlight has been on the players for a long time, especially at home. It has perhaps pushed the board to finally move on from the structure and bring freshness to the system.
Their captain, Dasun Shanaka, asked for belief and pride for the side and support from the fans when they take the field in Kandy for the last fixture. If Jayasuriya does step down, then the SLC will need to make an immediate change in the coaching structure as they will face Afghanistan in a three-match T20I and ODI series in Dubai just after the World Cup.
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Subhradeep Choudhury
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