Mahela Jayawardene, born on May 27, 1977, in Colombo, Sri Lanka, is a former cricketer widely regarded as one of the sport’s greats. Known for his elegant batting, leadership, and exceptional cricketing mind, he has made significant contributions to Sri Lankan cricket. Jayawardene captained Sri Lanka to numerous victories and holds several records in international cricket, making him a pivotal figure in both the playing and coaching realms of the game.
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 shaped by his love for cricket, a passion fostered by his father, who introduced him to the sport at an early age. Despite enduring the heartbreaking loss of his younger brother to cancer, Jayawardene remained resilient, overcoming personal hardships to become one of cricket’s most respected figures.
Early Career
Mahela Jayawardene’s cricketing journey started at Nalanda College, where he captained the school team. His domestic debut came in 1995 for Sinhalese Sports Club. He gained recognition during the 1997-98 season with strong performances, earning a spot in the national team. Jayawardene made his Test debut against India in August 1997 and swiftly became a key player for Sri Lanka.
Professional Career
Mahela Jayawardene, one of Sri Lanka’s finest cricketers, had an illustrious career spanning nearly 20 years, playing 652 international matches. He scored over 25,957 runs across all formats, including over 10,000 runs in both Tests and ODIs. His highest Test score of 374 against South Africa remains the record for the most runs by a right-handed batsman in Test history. Jayawardene captained Sri Lanka to significant victories, including the 2008 Asia Cup and the 2014 ICC World Twenty20. He also played crucial roles in World Cup campaigns, reaching the finals in 2007 and 2011, showcasing remarkable leadership throughout his career.
Wife
Mahela Jayawardene was married to Christina Mallika Sirisena from 2005 to 2018, and they have a daughter, Sansa Arya Jayawardene. After their divorce, he remarried Natasha Makalanda in December 2021.
Mahela Jayawardene’s Net Worth Details
Mahela Jayawardene’s net worth is estimated at $10 million as of 2025. His wealth stems from his successful cricket career, coaching roles, endorsements, and various business ventures.
Contract Details
In October 2024, it was announced that Mahela Jayawardene would return as the head coach of the Mumbai Indians for the 2025 IPL season. During his previous tenure, he successfully guided 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 |
