Sri Lanka have failed to win a single series under Atapattu’s reign this year

Image courtesy of: ESPNcricinfo

Sri Lanka head coach Marvan Atapattu has resigned with immediate effect following the national team’s 2-1 loss to India in the three-Test series.

While Atapattu’s resignation was accepted by Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), there has been no reason offered as to why he stepped down from the position.

Atapattu officially took over as head coach in September last year, but has held the post on an interim basis ever since Paul Farbrace’s departure in April 2014.

While Atapattu did guide Sri Lanka to their first Test series win in England in 16 years last June, the last 10 months have been less glamorous for the 44-year-old as he has struggled to build a relationship with the players.

Atapattu may have left on his own accord, but only after Sri Lanka failed to win a single series under his reign this year.

Sri Lanka’s next series will be against the West Indies in mid-October, but SLC are unlikely to have appointed a permanent coach by then. As a result, they are likely to have someone take over on an interim basis while inviting candidates to apply for the post.