Sanath Teran Jayasuriya is a former professional cricket player from Sri Lanka, who is widely regarded as one of the most explosive batsmen in the history of the sport. Born on June 30, 1969, in Matara, Sri Lanka, Jayasuriya’s cricketing prowess and powerful strokeplay made him a formidable force on the field.
Jayasuriya began his career as a bowler who could bat a bit, but he soon established himself as an exceptional all-rounder. With his incredible hand-eye coordination and powerful forearms, he became known for his ability to score briskly in every format of the game. His aggressive batting style, combined with his savage hitting ability, made him a nightmare for bowling attacks around the world.
Although he was primarily a batsman, Jayasuriya’s slow left-arm bowling was also a valuable weapon in his arsenal. While he relied more on variations in pace rather than sharp turn, he managed to pick up an impressive 440 international wickets.
In 1993, Jayasuriya had his first stint as an ODI opener during the Hero Cup in India. However, it was during a home series against Pakistan the following year that he truly established himself in the role. He made a name for himself in the international cricket scene when he scored his first century in Tests, a frenetic and stroke-filled effort in Adelaide.
Despite Aravinda de Silva’s heroics during the 1996 World Cup, it was Jayasuriya’s aggressive batting that left a lasting impact. His powerful assaults on India in Delhi and England in the quarter-finals helped pave the way for Sri Lanka’s eventual World Cup victory. He continued to dominate Test attacks, scoring at a blazing pace.
Jayasuriya captained the Sri Lankan team for four years, leading them to a semi-final appearance in the 2003 World Cup. In 2004, he had one of his most successful years, defying critics who speculated about his diminishing returns with the bat. However, a retirement announcement in 2006 was short-lived as he came back within weeks, giving fans more iconic innings to enjoy.
In one-day cricket, Jayasuriya guided Sri Lanka to another World Cup final in 2007 and played a central role in their victory in the Asia Cup in 2008. Despite a decline in his performance in subsequent campaigns, his big-hitting talent was showcased in the Indian Premier League.
Jayasuriya’s international career seemed to be heading towards a close when he was elected as a member of parliament in April 2010, but he managed to make the longlist for the 30-man squad for the 2011 World Cup. Although he did not play in the tournament, it was a testament to his enduring impact on the cricketing world.
His last ODI and T20I matches occurred in England in 2011, just weeks before his 42nd birthday. Jayasuriya’s legacy as an explosive batsman and a valuable all-rounder continues to inspire countless aspiring cricketers. With a remarkable career that spanned over two decades, Sanath Jayasuriya will always be remembered as one of the greatest cricketers Sri Lanka has ever produced.