Background

Sanath Jayasuriya was an exceptional performer right from the start. During his college days in St. Servatius College, he was the captain of his college cricket team. During those days, he bagged the 'Observer Schoolboy Cricketer of the Year'. In addition to this, he has also grabbed other titles to his name like- 'Best Batsman’ and 'Best All-rounder’.

All his records let his get selected in Sri Lanka’s Under 19 team in 1988 Youth Cricket World Cup (Now ICC U-19 Cricket World Cup). He got a chance to play for Sri Lanka B and fortunately he played exceptionally well by scoring two double centuries against  Pakistan.

First Appearance

The former player made his international debut against Australia on Boxing Day ODI at Melbourne in 1989. he made a test debut against New Zealand at Hamilton in 1991.

He has played as an opening batsman for the Sri Lankan team inthe limited cricket. He has revolutionized the batting style.

Facing great all-time bowlers like Glenn McGrath, Shane Warne, Wasim Akram etc. he has managed to hit a high score against them as well. He was a pro at smashing runs making sure he gives his best during the match.

Ascend to Glory

In 1996, Jayasuriya's all-round performance played a significant role in Sri Lanka's first World Cup victory. A panel of judges selected him as 'Man of the Tournament.' 

In 1997, he scored 340 runs against India, which was the highest score by a Sri Lankan cricketer in tests. Jayasuriya not only gave his team a start but also scored heavy runs that helped them reach glory.

Due to his two major performances, he was named the best opener for the team. As a result, people began to think of him as a proven matchwinner.

Low Point

Compared to his counterparts and competitors, Jayasuriya's batting was always on top. Yet in person, he got embroiled in some big controversy, which caused him to lose the name he created through his extraordinary batting abilities. The controversies are as follows:

• In 2019, he was banned from all formats of cricket for two years for breaching the anti-corruption code of the International Cricket Council. 

• In 2017, a pornographic video leaked and made him a news sensation. The video featured sexual intercourse between Jayasuriya and his ex-girlfriend Maleeka Sirisenage. Maleeka claims Jayasuriya leaked the video to get revenge on her.

Captaincy

Sanath Jayasuriya was appointed captain of Sri Lanka in 1999. In his career, he captained Sri Lanka in 38 Test matches and 117 one-day internationals. In 2003, he led Sri Lanka to the semi-finals of the ICC Cricket World Cup but stepped down after the loss.

During his tenure as captain, the Sri Lankan team played with camaraderie. During his captaincy, players such as Sangakkara, Dishan, and Jayawardhane hit their peaks.

Jayasuriya’s Record

• In 2017, he was ranked 10th on the List of Highest Individual Scores in One-Day Internationals with 189 runs.

• The maximum number of runs scored in a two-match test series, i.e. 571 runs.

• In Test, he holds the record for the highest partnership for the 2nd wicket with 576 runs with Roshan Mahanama.

• He has hit 270 sixes in ODIs (second highest number).

• In ODI cricket, he scored 13,430 runs, which ranked him fourth on the all-time list.

• First cricketer to play 400 ODIs.

• One of the few batsmen in history to score over 150 in consecutive ODI matches.

• First player to score more than 2500 ODI runs on a single pitch.

Retirement

In December 2007, Sanath Jayasuriya announced his retirement from Test cricket. However, he continued to play short formats of the game until June 2011, when he retired from all formats. 

After his retirement, he was elected to the Sri Lankan Parliament in 2010 for the Matara constituency.

In January 2013, Mahindananda Aluthgamage appointed him chairman of the selection committee. The Sri Lankan team, which he selected, won the 2014 ICC World T20.