Introduction
Mahela Jayawardene, born on May 27, 1977, in Colombo, Sri Lanka, is a cricketing icon celebrated for his elegance and prolific batting. A former Sri Lankan captain, Jayawardene’s illustrious career spans all formats of the game. Renowned for his leadership and strategic acumen, he played a pivotal role in Sri Lanka’s cricketing successes.
| Attribute | Information |
| Full Name | Denagamage Proboth Mahela de Silva Jayawardene |
| Date of Birth | 27 May 1977 |
| Birth Place | Colombo |
| Age | 46 years |
| Height | 5 ft 6 in (1.68 m) |
| Role | Batsman |
| Batting Style | Right Handed Bat |
| Bowling Style | Right-arm medium |
| Period | (1997 – 2015) |
| Nationality | Sri Lanka |
Education
| Degree | Institution | Year |
|---|---|---|
| School Education | Nalanda College, Colombo, Sri Lanka | – |
| Bachelor’s Degree | University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka | – |
| Honorary Doctorate | University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka | 2012 |
| Honorary Doctorate | University of Colombo, Sri Lanka | 2016 |
Early Life and Family Background
Mahela Jayawardene was born on May 27, 1977, in Colombo, Sri Lanka. Raised in a middle-class family, he spent his early years in the bustling city. His father, Senerath Jayawardene, worked for a company, and his mother, Sunila Jayawardene, was a housewife.
Mahela attended Nalanda College in Colombo for his school education. Cricket caught his interest at a young age, and he displayed promising talent early on. His family, recognizing his passion, supported and encouraged him to pursue a career in cricket.
While specific details about his early life are not extensively documented, Mahela Jayawardene’s journey from a talented young cricketer to becoming one of Sri Lanka’s cricketing legends is a testament to his dedication, skill, and the foundation laid by his family during his formative years.
Personal Life
Mahela Jayawardene’s personal life reflects a balance of a successful cricketing career and a private, family-oriented lifestyle. In 2005, he married Christina Mallika Sirisena, and the couple has two children, Sansa and Daham.
Off the cricket field, Jayawardene is known for his calm and composed demeanor. He has been actively involved in philanthropy and charitable endeavors, contributing to various social causes in Sri Lanka. His commitment to community development is evident through his engagement in initiatives aimed at supporting education and healthcare.
Despite the demands of a high-profile sports career, Mahela Jayawardene has maintained a relatively private personal life, allowing his focus to remain on both his family and his contributions to the broader well-being of society.
Cricket Career
Domestic Career
Mahela Jayawardene’s domestic cricket career was as illustrious as his international one, marked by consistent performances and leadership roles. Here’s an overview of his domestic cricket journey:
- Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC):
Jayawardene played a significant part of his domestic career for the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo. His performances at the club level laid the foundation for his selection to the national team.
Sussex (County Cricket):
Jayawardene had stints in English county cricket, representing Sussex. His experience in the competitive English cricketing circuit contributed to his overall growth as a player.
- Indian Premier League (IPL):
In the Indian Premier League, Jayawardene played for various franchises, including Kings XI Punjab and Kochi Tuskers Kerala. He later took on coaching roles in the IPL, showcasing his cricketing acumen beyond playing.
- Domestic Tournaments:
Throughout his career, Jayawardene participated in various domestic tournaments in Sri Lanka, contributing significantly to his team’s success. His leadership skills were often evident as he captained domestic sides, providing valuable insights to emerging talents.
- Retirement and Mentorship:
After retiring from international cricket, Jayawardene continued to be involved in domestic cricket, mentoring and coaching young talents. His influence extended to nurturing the next generation of cricketers, both in Sri Lanka and globally.
International Career
Mahela Jayawardene’s international cricket career stands as a testament to his exceptional skill, leadership, and enduring contribution to Sri Lankan cricket. Here’s an overview of his illustrious international journey:
- Test Debut:
Mahela Jayawardene made his Test debut for Sri Lanka against India in 1997. His elegant batting style and ability to handle pressure earned him a permanent spot in the team.
- ODI Debut:
He made his One Day International (ODI) debut in 1998 against Zimbabwe. Jayawardene’s adaptability across formats and versatility in various batting positions marked him as a crucial asset.
- Batting Prowess:
Known for his graceful strokeplay, Jayawardene amassed over 11,800 runs in Test cricket at an average of around 49.85. In ODIs, he scored more than 12,600 runs at an average exceeding 33.
- 2006 Record Partnership:
In 2006, Jayawardene, along with Kumar Sangakkara, set a world record for the highest partnership in Test cricket, scoring 624 runs against South Africa.
- Captaincy Stint:
Jayawardene served as the captain of the Sri Lankan national team in two separate stints, from 2006 to 2009 and briefly in 2012. Under his leadership, Sri Lanka reached the pinnacle of success, winning the ICC World Twenty20 in 2014.
- World Cup Triumph:
A defining moment in his career came in 1996 when he played a pivotal role in Sri Lanka’s historic World Cup victory, contributing crucial innings in the final against Australia.
- Retirement:
Jayawardene retired from Test cricket in 2014 as one of Sri Lanka’s leading run-scorers. He bid farewell to all formats in 2015, leaving a lasting impact on the international cricketing community.
- Post-Retirement Roles:
Beyond his playing days, Mahela Jayawardene continued to contribute to cricket, taking on coaching and mentorship roles. His insights and guidance have been valuable for both domestic and international teams.
Batting Career Summary
M | Inn | NO | Runs | HS | Avg | BF | SR | 100 | 200 | 50 | 4s | ||
| Test | 58 | 83 | 11 | 2124 | 154 | 29.5 | 4361 | 48.7 | 4 | 0 | 5 | 223 | 15 |
| ODI | 6 | 5 | 0 | 27 | 20 | 5.4 | 44 | 61.36 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 |
Retirement
Mahela Jayawardene bid farewell to international cricket with a distinguished career that spanned over 18 years. Here is an overview of his retirement from the sport:
- Test Retirement:
Jayawardene announced his retirement from Test cricket in August 2014. His final Test series was against Pakistan in August 2014, where he played his 149th and last Test match. He concluded his Test career as one of Sri Lanka’s highest run-scorers.
- ODI and T20I Retirement:
Following his Test retirement, Jayawardene retired from One Day Internationals (ODIs) and Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is) after the 2015 Cricket World Cup. His final ODI appearance was in the quarterfinal against South Africa.
- Legacy and Contributions:
Jayawardene left an indelible mark on Sri Lankan cricket, not only as a prolific batsman and astute captain but also as a mentor and ambassador for the sport. His leadership during crucial moments and ability to guide the team to numerous victories became integral to Sri Lanka’s cricketing identity.
- Post-Retirement Roles:
After hanging up his boots, Jayawardene ventured into coaching and mentorship roles. He took on coaching assignments, including roles in the Indian Premier League (IPL), contributing his cricketing acumen to the development of emerging talents.
Mahela Jayawardene’s retirement marked the end of an era in Sri Lankan cricket, but his influence and contributions continue to resonate within the cricketing community, both in his home country and on the global stage.
Captaincy
Mahela Jayawardene’s captaincy in international cricket was characterized by strategic acumen, calm leadership, and notable achievements. Here’s an overview of his captaincy tenure with the Sri Lankan cricket team:
- First Stint (2006-2009):
Jayawardene took over the captaincy of the Sri Lankan national team in 2006, succeeding Marvan Atapattu. Under his leadership, Sri Lanka reached the finals of the ICC Cricket World Cup in 2007 but were runners-up to Australia.
He led Sri Lanka to a historic Test series victory against England in 2006, marking the team’s first series win in England.
Jayawardene’s leadership style was characterized by composure and a tactical approach, earning respect both from teammates and opponents.
- Second Stint (2012):
Jayawardene resumed the captaincy briefly in 2012, succeeding Tillakaratne Dilshan. His second stint included a Test series win against Pakistan in 2012.
- Notable Achievements:
Under Jayawardene’s captaincy, Sri Lanka achieved success in limited-overs cricket, reaching the final of the ICC World Twenty20 in 2009 and securing the ICC Asia Cup in 2008.
His partnership with Kumar Sangakkara, both on and off the field, was instrumental in guiding Sri Lanka to significant victories.
- ICC World Twenty20 2014 Triumph:
Although not the captain, Jayawardene played a crucial role in Sri Lanka’s triumph in the ICC World Twenty20 in 2014. His experience and contributions with the bat were vital in securing the title.
Mahela Jayawardene’s captaincy left an enduring impact on Sri Lankan cricket, with his strategic approach and sportsmanship contributing to the team’s success on the international stage.
OFF-Field
Off the field, Mahela Jayawardene has been involved in various activities, showcasing his commitment to both cricket and community development. Here are some aspects of his off-field endeavors:
- Philanthropy:
Jayawardene has been actively involved in philanthropic activities, contributing to initiatives aimed at improving education and healthcare in Sri Lanka. His efforts highlight a commitment to making a positive impact beyond the cricket field.
- Mentorship and Coaching:
Post his retirement from international cricket, Jayawardene transitioned into coaching and mentorship roles. He shared his wealth of knowledge and experience with emerging cricketers, both in Sri Lanka and globally.
- Media and Commentary:
Jayawardene has made appearances in the media as a cricket analyst and commentator. His articulate insights and deep understanding of the game have made him a respected voice in the cricketing community.
- Business Ventures:
Like many retired cricketers, Jayawardene ventured into business. He has been associated with various commercial ventures and endorsements, leveraging his popularity and brand image.
- Academic Recognition:
In acknowledgment of his contributions to cricket and society, Jayawardene received honorary doctorates from the University of Kelaniya in 2012 and the University of Colombo in 2016.
- Global T20 Leagues:
Beyond international cricket, Jayawardene participated in various global T20 leagues, bringing his experience to different cricketing franchises. His presence in these leagues further extended his influence in the cricketing world.
Mahela Jayawardene’s off-field contributions showcase a multifaceted personality, from his charitable work to his roles in coaching and analysis, demonstrating a commitment to the broader aspects of cricket and community well-being.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Mahela Jayawardene’s cricketing journey is a saga of excellence, leadership, and enduring impact. A luminary in Sri Lankan cricket, his elegant batting, astute captaincy, and off-field contributions have left an indelible mark on the sport.
From his debut in 1997 to his retirement in 2015, Jayawardene’s on-field exploits defined an era for Sri Lankan cricket. His leadership, marked by composure and strategic brilliance, guided the team to historic victories, including the 2014 ICC World Twenty20.
Beyond the boundary, Jayawardene’s philanthropy, mentorship, and business ventures showcase a commitment to community development and a seamless transition from player to mentor. Recognized with honorary doctorates, he stands not just as a cricketing icon but as a figure of inspiration.
Mahela Jayawardene’s legacy extends beyond statistics; it resonates in the hearts of cricket enthusiasts worldwide. His influence, both on and off the field, underscores the transformative power of sportsmanship and dedication, leaving an enduring imprint on the annals of cricket history.
Also checkout Indian Cricketer’s Biography.
FAQ’s
1.What happened to Mahela Jayawardene?
Ans. Mahela Jayawardene currently serves as the Chairman of Sri Lanka National Sports Council.
2. Who is Mahela Jayawardene wife?
Ans. Natasha Makalanda.
