Mahela Jayawardene

Regarded as one of the finest cricketers of his generation, Mahela Jayawardene stands out not only for his remarkable achievements on the field but also for his down-to-earth personality. Admired by Sri Lankan fans worldwide, Jayawardene is an idol for aspiring cricketers.

Early Career and Rapid Rise

Jayawardene’s cricket journey began at a young age when he captained his school’s Under-13 team, batting at the crucial number three position. Known for his elegant technique and ability to score big, he quickly emerged as a promising talent at the school level. He made his debut for the Sinhalese Sports Club in 1995 and, after a stellar 1997-98 season, earned a spot in Sri Lanka’s Test squad. His impressive debut against India included a 66-run innings in a match where Sri Lanka set a world record with 952-6. Jayawardene’s ODI debut followed in 1998, and his 74-run performance in his second match marked the beginning of a successful international career. A standout moment came with his fluent 167 against New Zealand on a notoriously difficult Galle pitch.

International Success and Leadership

Jayawardene soon became a mainstay for Sri Lanka in both Tests and ODIs, delivering memorable knocks like his 107 against England at Lord’s and a double century against South Africa at Galle. In 2006, he was appointed captain for Sri Lanka’s tour of Bangladesh, succeeding Marvan Atapattu. Under his leadership, Sri Lanka achieved a historic 5-0 ODI series whitewash against England and drew the Test series, a testament to his leadership in challenging conditions. That year, Jayawardene also became the first Sri Lankan captain to score a triple century in Tests, sharing a record 624-run partnership with Kumar Sangakkara against South Africa.

Captaincy, Challenges, and Legacy

After leading Sri Lanka to the 2007 World Cup final, Jayawardene stepped down as captain in 2009 to focus on his batting. Despite scoring an outstanding century in the 2011 ICC World Cup final, Sri Lanka fell short. He returned as captain in 2011-12, aiming to secure Sri Lanka’s first World Twenty20 title in 2012 but settled for the runner-up position. He eventually relinquished captaincy from all formats in 2013 post the Australia series. Known for his impeccable technique and patience, Jayawardene was a fine cutter of the ball, an exceptional close-in fielder, and a mentor to young cricketers.

Transition to Coaching and Continued Contribution

After retiring from Tests in 2014 and limited-overs cricket following the 2015 ICC World Cup, Jayawardene’s involvement in cricket continued. In August 2015, he joined the England Cricket Board as a batting consultant, assisting the national team through the World Twenty20 in India. By 2017, he was appointed coach of the Mumbai-based franchise in the Indian Premier League, leading them to titles in 2017 and 2019.

FAQs About Mahela Jayawardene

Q: When did Mahela Jayawardene make his Test debut?
A: Jayawardene made his Test debut for Sri Lanka in 1997.

Q: What record did Mahela Jayawardene achieve during his captaincy in 2006?
A: In 2006, Jayawardene became the first Sri Lankan captain to score a triple century in Tests.

Q: What was Mahela Jayawardene’s role after retiring from international cricket?
A: Post-retirement, Jayawardene served as a batting consultant for the England Cricket Board and as a coach for a Mumbai-based franchise in the IPL.

Q: How did Jayawardene contribute to Sri Lanka’s success in ICC tournaments?
A: Jayawardene led Sri Lanka to the 2007 World Cup final and scored a century in the 2011 final, though the team finished as runners-up.

Q: What is Mahela Jayawardene’s coaching achievement in the IPL?
A: Under Jayawardene’s coaching, the Mumbai-based franchise won titles in both 2017 and 2019.