Sanath Jayasuriya has welcomed the growing trend of teams chasing huge totals in white-ball cricket, saying the shift is good for the sport even as it increases the pressure on bowlers. The former Sri Lanka captain made the remarks at an event in Mumbai on Friday, October 30, after Sri Lanka’s successful pursuit of England’s 429 in Rawalpindi had underlined how far modern ODI batting has moved.
Jayasuriya sees confidence driving the change
Jayasuriya said it was encouraging to see teams put substantial scores on the board and then chase them down. In his view, greater confidence among players has helped make targets that once appeared daunting feel achievable. He also acknowledged the other side of the development: bowlers are being asked to operate under increasing pressure as batting teams take on bigger challenges.
The former Sri Lanka batting star also pointed to changes in playing regulations as part of the modern game's evolution. He described new rules and developments as positive for cricket, while his comments recognised that the balance between bat and ball remains an important part of the discussion around high-scoring white-ball matches.
Sri Lanka’s 429 chase provides a striking example
The immediate backdrop to Jayasuriya's comments was Sri Lanka's performance against England in the Pakistan tri-series. Sri Lanka chased England's 429 in Rawalpindi on October 22, completing what the report described as the second-highest successful run chase in men's ODI history.
A successful pursuit of that scale illustrates the confidence Jayasuriya was discussing. It also places the focus on how teams approach long chases: a large target no longer automatically ends the contest, particularly when batters are prepared to keep scoring and build partnerships deep into an innings.
For bowlers and captains, the challenge is substantial. Defending a total requires more than simply relying on scoreboard pressure when the opposition believes the target is within reach. Jayasuriya did not dismiss that difficulty; he specifically recognised that the modern trend is putting bowlers under pressure even as he welcomed the entertainment and ambition it brings to the game.
Abhishek Sharma earns praise after Wellington hundred
Jayasuriya also spoke positively about India's young batter Abhishek Sharma, whose explosive innings against New Zealand had caught attention. Abhishek scored 113 from 38 balls in India's six-wicket win in the third T20I at Wellington, reaching his century in 35 deliveries.
Jayasuriya described Abhishek as an all-round player because of his ability to hit the ball into different areas of the ground. Rather than identifying one particular strength, he highlighted the batter's range and urged him to continue playing his natural game. He added that Abhishek had a long way to go, but represented a promising future for Indian cricket.
The remarks connect with Jayasuriya's wider point about confidence and attacking intent. Abhishek's innings was a high-impact T20 example of the same willingness to score quickly that has helped teams attempt very large targets in ODI cricket. Jayasuriya's message was that talent should be allowed to develop without unnecessarily restricting the player's natural approach.
Sri Lanka carry momentum towards India tour
Jayasuriya also assessed Sri Lanka's campaign in the Pakistan tri-series. The team won two of its four matches and qualified for the final against Pakistan, a run he believes can provide a useful confidence boost before the white-ball tour of India in December.
He said the players were performing well and expressed hope that the side would carry that form into the India assignment. Jayasuriya also backed India to perform strongly in its forthcoming ODI and Test series in New Zealand, while noting that away tours are an opportunity for the team to show its quality beyond home conditions.
The SportsLine angle
Jayasuriya's comments capture a central question for coaches and developing cricketers: how do batters learn to chase totals that previously seemed out of reach, while bowlers build plans that can withstand sustained attacking pressure? The Rawalpindi chase and Abhishek's Wellington hundred show two formats producing the same demand for confidence, adaptability and scoring options.
For Indian players coming through domestic and age-group cricket, the lesson is not simply to swing harder. Big chases still require decision-making, partnerships and the ability to manage risk across an innings. On the bowling side, the challenge is to develop variations, accuracy and plans for different phases rather than expecting the pitch alone to provide assistance. Jayasuriya welcomed the direction of the game, but his acknowledgement of the pressure on bowlers makes clear that the debate over balance will continue.
Frequently asked questions
What did Sanath Jayasuriya say about teams chasing big totals?
Sanath Jayasuriya said successful chases of large totals on flat pitches are good for white-ball cricket. He welcomed the confidence shown by modern teams and players, while also noting that the trend places bowlers under pressure. He made the comments to reporters at an event in Mumbai on October 30, 2026.
Which record chase prompted Jayasuriya’s comments?
Sri Lanka’s successful pursuit of England’s 429 in a tri-series match at Rawalpindi on October 22 was a major example. The report described it as the second-highest successful chase in men’s ODI history. Jayasuriya cited the broader trend of teams posting and chasing very large totals.
What did Abhishek Sharma score against New Zealand?
Abhishek Sharma scored 113 from 38 balls in India’s six-wicket win over New Zealand in the third T20I at Wellington. His innings included a century from 35 deliveries. Jayasuriya praised his range of strokeplay and said the young batter should continue playing his natural game.
What did Jayasuriya say about Abhishek Sharma’s potential?
Jayasuriya called Abhishek an all-round player who can score in different parts of the ground. He said the batter still has a long way to go but represents a positive future for Indian cricket. He also described allowing Abhishek to play his natural game as a good investment.
How did Sri Lanka perform in the Pakistan tri-series?
Sri Lanka won two of its four matches in the Pakistan tri-series and qualified for the final against Pakistan. Jayasuriya said the campaign had lifted the team's confidence before its white-ball tour of India in December, where he hoped the side would continue its good form.