Denagamage Praboth Mahela de Silva Jayawardene, commonly known as Mahela Jayawardene, is a celebrated former cricketer from Sri Lanka, renowned for his remarkable contributions to the sport.
Born on May 27, 1977, in Colombo, Sri Lanka, he has left an indelible mark on cricket both as a player and a coach.
Mahela Jayawardene’s Biography
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Denagamage Proboth Mahela de Silva Jayawardene |
| Nickname | Maiya, MasterMind |
| Born | May 27, 1977 |
| Age | 47 years |
| College | Nalanda College, Colombo |
| Religion | Buddhism |
| Nationality | Sri Lankan |
| Height | 1.73 m |
| Turned Pro | 1995 |
| Net Worth | Estimated at $10 million |
| Salary | – |
| Spouse | Natasha Makalanda (married in 2021) |
| Relationship Status | Married |
| Instagram Profile | Mahela Jayawardene |
Mahela Jayawardene’s early life was marked by a passion for cricket, nurtured by his father who introduced him to the sport at a young age.
Despite facing personal tragedy with the loss of his younger brother to cancer, he persevered and became one of the most respected figures in cricket.
Early Career
Jayawardene’s cricketing journey began at Nalanda College, where he captained the school team. His domestic debut came in 1995 for Sinhalese Sports Club.
He made headlines with an impressive performance in the 1997-98 season, which led to his selection for the national team. He made his Test debut against India in August 1997 and quickly established himself as a key player.
Professional Career
Over an illustrious career spanning nearly two decades, Mahela Jayawardene played 652 international matches for Sri Lanka. He is celebrated for scoring over 25,957 runs across formats, including more than 10,000 runs in both Test and ODI cricket.
His highest Test score of 374 against South Africa remains a record for the highest score by a right-handed batsman in Test history.
Known for his elegant batting style and sharp cricketing mind, Jayawardene captained Sri Lanka to numerous victories, including the Asia Cup in 2008 and the ICC World Twenty20 in 2014.
He also played pivotal roles in World Cup campaigns, reaching the finals in both 2007 and 2011. His leadership qualities were evident as he guided younger players while maintaining a competitive edge on the field.
Wife
Mahela was previously married to Christina Mallika Sirisena from 2005 to 2018. They have one daughter named Sansa Arya Jayawardene. After their divorce, he married Natasha Makalanda in December 2021.
Mahela Jayawardene’s Net Worth Details
Mahela Jayawardene’s net worth is estimated to be $10 million as of 2025. This wealth has been accumulated through his successful cricket career, coaching roles, endorsements, and various business ventures.
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Contract Details
In October 2024, it was announced that Jayawardene would return as the head coach of the Mumbai Indians for the IPL season in 2025. His previous tenure saw him lead the team to three IPL titles.
Career Earnings
| Year | Earnings (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| 2010 | $2 million |
| 2015 | $4 million |
| 2020 | $6 million |
| 2025 | $10 million |
Endorsements
- Mobitel (Sri Lanka)
- DSI Holdings Ltd.
- Reebok
- Janashakthi Insurance PLC
Career Records
| Opponent | Matches Played | Runs Scored | Highest Score | Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| India | 95 | 3,000+ | 374 | ~50 |
| Australia | 84 | 2,500+ | 145 | ~40 |
| South Africa | 78 | 2,700+ | 374 | ~45 |
FAQs
What is Mahela Jayawardene’s highest score?
His highest score is an impressive 374 runs against South Africa.
How many centuries did he score in Tests?
He scored a total of 34 centuries in Test matches.
When did he make his ODI debut?
He made his ODI debut on January 15, 1998.
Is he involved in coaching currently?
Yes, he is currently the head coach of Mumbai Indians for IPL season starting in 2025.
What are some notable achievements during his captaincy?
Under his captaincy, Sri Lanka won the Asia Cup and ICC World T20.
Has he received any awards?
Yes, he was named ICC Captain of the Year in 2006 and inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame.
Does he have any business ventures?
Yes, he co-founded a tech company focused on cloud security compliance called Dygisec.
How many international matches did he play?
He played a total of 652 international matches for Sri Lanka.
What is his batting style?
He is known for being a right-handed batsman with an elegant technique.
What impact did he have on Sri Lankan cricket?
He played a crucial role in establishing Sri Lanka as a competitive force in international cricket during his playing career.
