Will Gary Kirsten’s proficiency reverse Sri Lanka’s jinx? But believing that the celebrated coach can simply wave a magic wand and transform Sri Lanka’s fortunes overnight, would require both prayer and a miracle. Sri Lanka has had six coaches and four interim appointments since Marvan Atapattu coached the team in 2014-2015. Consider the example of Dav Whatmore, who masterminded Sri Lanka’s remarkable triumph at the 1996 World Cup. Since then, however, Sri Lanka’s steady decline has been largely attributed to the absence of such a reliable core.

Source: Sunday Times March 15, 2026 06:41 UTC