Cricketing Journey

Jayasuriya, nicknamed the “Matara Mauler,” revolutionized one-day international (ODI) cricket in the mid-1990s with his explosive batting alongside opening partner Romesh Kaluwitharana. His aggressive style redefined modern ODI batting strategies. A left-handed batsman and left-arm orthodox spinner, he was a key all-rounder for Sri Lanka over a 22-year international career (1989–2011).

Major Achievements

• 1996 Cricket World Cup: Jayasuriya played a pivotal role in Sri Lanka’s historic victory, scoring 221 runs (including two half-centuries) and taking 6 wickets in 6 matches, earning the Man of the Tournament title. His unbeaten 84 in the final and a crucial wicket of Sachin Tendulkar in the semi-final were standout moments.
• Records: He scored 13,430 ODI runs (4th highest for Sri Lanka, with 28 centuries) and took 323 ODI wickets, making him the only player with over 10,000 runs and 300 wickets in ODIs. In Tests, he scored 6,973 runs, including a Sri Lankan record of 340 against India in 1997, part of a then-world-record 576-run partnership with Roshan Mahanama. He also holds the sixth-highest ODI score (189 vs. India, 2000) and was the oldest player to score an ODI century (107 vs. India, 2009, at age 39).
• Other Milestones: Jayasuriya captained Sri Lanka from 1999 to 2003, leading them to the 2002 ICC Champions Trophy (co-winners with India) and the 2003 World Cup semi-finals. He was named Wisden Leading Cricketer in the World in 1996 and one of Wisden’s Cricketers of the Year in 1997.
• IPL Career: Jayasuriya played for Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League (IPL), scoring 768 runs in 30 matches at a strike rate of 144.36, including a century (114*).

Post-Retirement

Jayasuriya retired from Test cricket in 2007 and limited-overs cricket in 2011, with his final ODI against England in 2011. He served as Sri Lanka’s chief selector from 2013, contributing to their 2014 ICC World Twenty20 victory, but resigned in 2017 after a series loss to India. He took up coaching, including a stint with Mulgrave Cricket Club in Australia (2020–21) and as interim head coach of Sri Lanka’s national team in 2024.

Political Career

In 2010, Jayasuriya entered politics, winning a parliamentary seat from Matara District with 74,352 votes. He served as deputy minister of postal services under President Mahinda Rajapaksa and later as deputy minister of local government and rural development under President Maithripala Sirisena. He did not contest the 2015 elections and is no longer active in politics.

Personal Life

Jayasuriya’s personal life has been tumultuous:

• First Marriage (1998–1999): Married to Sumudhu Karunanayake, a ground hostess for Air Lanka; the marriage ended in divorce after a year with no children.
• Second Marriage (2000–2012): Married to Sandra De Silva, a former Sri Lankan Airlines air hostess, with whom he has three children (two daughters, Keshani and Yalindi, and a son, Ranuka). The marriage ended in divorce in 2012 amid allegations of infidelity with actress Maleeka Sirisenage.
• Controversy: In 2017, a leaked sex tape involving Jayasuriya and Maleeka Sirisenage sparked public controversy, with reports suggesting it was released intentionally.

Net Worth

Sanath Jayasuriya’s net worth is estimated at approximately $16 million (around ₹100 crore) as of 2024, though some sources suggest it could be as high as $25 million due to additional income streams. His wealth stems from:

• Cricket Earnings: Over two decades of international cricket, including salaries from the Sri Lankan national team and IPL contracts (approximately ₹4.5 crore per season with Mumbai Indians).
• Endorsements: Partnerships with brands like Pepsi and Reebok.
• Investments: Real estate development projects in Sri Lanka.
• Political and Coaching Roles: Salaries from his time as a parliamentarian and recent coaching stints, though specific figures are undisclosed.

However, his net worth faced potential strain in 2013 when his estranged wife Sandra demanded $20 million in maintenance for herself and their three children during their divorce proceedings. It’s unclear if this claim was fully upheld, as later reports do not confirm payment details.

Legacy

Jayasuriya’s aggressive batting transformed ODI cricket, and his all-round contributions made him a national hero in Sri Lanka. Despite personal controversies, his cricketing achievements, including records and the 1996 World Cup triumph, cement his status as one of cricket’s greatest all-rounders. His net worth reflects his successful career and business ventures, though matrimonial disputes have posed financial challenges.