Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has officially confirmed the appointment of former South African opener Gary Kirsten as the new head coach of the men's national team. Kirsten is scheduled to assume his duties on April 15, 2026, under a two-year contract.
Gary Kirsten announced as Sri Lanka's head coach
He steps into the role following the departure of Sanath Jayasuriya, who resigned after Sri Lanka’s campaign at the 2026 ICC Men's T20 World Cup ended in the Super Eight stage. Interestingly, Kirsten was also present at that same tournament, where he served in a consultancy capacity for the Namibian squad.
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A veteran of 101 Tests and 185 ODIs, Kirsten brings a wealth of high-level coaching experience and a track record of significant success. He is most famously recognized for leading India to the 2011 ODI World Cup title and the top spot in the ICC Test Rankings during his tenure. Following his time with India, he coached the South African national side for two years and later took on a white-ball coaching role with Pakistan in 2024. However, his stint with Pakistan was short-lived, ending in a resignation due to fundamental disagreements with the board and the playing group.
Gary Kirsten's rich credentials for the top role
Beyond the international arena, Kirsten has been a prominent fixture in the Indian Premier League (IPL), holding coaching positions with Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Gujarat Titans. He played a pivotal role as the batting coach for the Titans during their remarkable debut season in 2022, which saw them clinch the championship. His ability to manage star-studded rosters and deliver results in high-pressure franchise environments further bolsters the credentials he brings to the Sri Lankan setup.
The primary objective of Kirsten’s two-year tenure will be preparing the team for the ODI World Cup 2027, which will be hosted in his home country of South Africa, as well as Zimbabwe and Namibia. Sri Lanka’s immediate priority under his guidance will be securing direct qualification for the prestigious tournament.