'It's all about confidence and trust with bit of luck' - Sanath Jayasuriya after full-time appointment as Sri Lanka's head coach

After impressive performances as Sri Lanka's interim head coach, Sanath Jayasuriya was appointed as the head coach in a full-time capacity on Monday, October 7. His contract runs till March 2026, which gives the legendary cricketer a one-and-half-year period to help Sri Lanka cricket become a force to reckon with like yesteryears.

Jayasuriya took charge as interim head coach of the team after Chris Silverwood's resignation following the dismal T20 World Cup performance in June. After the former opener came on board, Sri Lanka's performances improved substantially as they registered a bilateral ODI series win against India after 27 years and a Test victory on English soil after a decade. Recently, they whitewashed New Zealand in a two-match Test series in Galle.

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Speaking to the media after his appointment, the former Sri Lankan skipper said that he created confidence and trust around the team. Jayasuriya also believes that luck played a part in the success.

"What I have always said is that it's all about confidence and trust. I created that around the team and that's very important. And I think there was a little bit of luck also. You may do a lot of work, but you need that luck sometimes," Jayasuriya said, as quoted by Cricinfo.

I will always play the team that is best for Sri Lanka cricket: Sanath Jayasuriya

Jayasuriya also said that being a local coach makes it easier for him to communicate with his players, and they can speak freely with him. The 55-year-old also said that there is no room for favouritism in his coaching philosophy and he would play the team that is most ideal for Sri Lanka cricket.

"It's easy for me to communicate first and foremost. Any issues they have they can speak with me freely, and it's easy to sort out. They have the confidence to do that. They also know what sort of cricket I played, so they know the value I bring," Jayasuriya said.

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"But I have a responsibility as a local coach, I don't have favourites. I will always play the team that is best for Sri Lanka cricket. I know that after me, it's unlikely that a local coach will get this role. So there's a responsibility I have on that end as well," he added.