Kusal Mendis Named Sri Lanka Test Captain

Sri Lanka Cricket has appointed Kusal Mendis as the country’s new Test captain following Dhananjaya de Silva’s decision to relinquish the leadership role with immediate effect.

Mendis, who already captains Sri Lanka in both ODIs and T20Is, will take charge of the Test side for the first time when the team travels to Pakistan for a two-match series next month.

The 31-year-old has played 75 Tests and made 343 international appearances across the three formats, giving him extensive experience ahead of his new responsibility.

Dhananjaya Steps Down After Nearly Three Years

De Silva informed Sri Lanka Cricket’s selection committee of his decision through a letter, saying he believed the captaincy should now be passed to the next generation.

The all-rounder became Sri Lanka’s Test captain in January 2024 after succeeding Dimuth Karunaratne. During his tenure, he led the team in 18 Tests, with Sri Lanka recording seven victories.

De Silva also made a significant contribution with the bat during his time as captain, scoring 1,130 runs at an average of 36.45. He also claimed nine wickets.

Despite giving up the captaincy, the 35-year-old will remain available for selection as a player.

Mendis Takes Charge Ahead of Pakistan Series

The leadership change comes ahead of an important Test assignment in Pakistan next month, which will mark Mendis’ first series as Sri Lanka’s Test captain.

Mendis has already handled leadership duties in the shorter formats, and Sri Lanka Cricket will now look to his experience across international cricket as he takes charge of the longest format.

De Silva, who has scored more than 4,400 Test runs and registered 13 centuries in 69 matches, leaves the leadership position after guiding the side through a period of transition.

Sri Lanka Cricket CEO Ashley de Silva thanked the outgoing captain for his contribution and leadership, while wishing him well for the remainder of his playing career.