Sri Lanka name new Test captain after Dhananjaya de Silva steps down

Sri Lanka have named Kusal Mendis as their new Test captain after Dhananjaya de Silva stepped down from the role with immediate effect, bringing a change of leadership ahead of the team’s upcoming World Test Championship assignment against Pakistan. The decision was taken by the Sri Lanka Cricket Selection Committee at a meeting at SLC headquarters on Thursday.

Mendis, 31, has established himself as one of Sri Lanka’s key batters and has already led the national side in limited-overs cricket. He has captained Sri Lanka in 22 ODIs and three T20Is, but has never previously led the team in a Test match. SLC had reinstated him as the white-ball captain earlier in 2026, following his earlier stint in the role.

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Mendis has played 75 Tests, scoring 4,836 runs at an average of 36.36, with 10 centuries and 23 fifties. His Test experience will now be tested in a leadership role as Sri Lanka look to improve their fortunes in the longest format.

MENDIS FACES IMMEDIATE LEADERSHIP TEST

Mendis’ first Test assignment will come against Pakistan, with the two-match series forming part of the ongoing 2025-27 World Test Championship cycle. The first Test is scheduled to be played in Rawalpindi from November 9 to 13, followed by the second Test in Lahore from November 17 to 21. Sri Lanka are already in Pakistan for a multi-format tour, with Mendis leading the T20I side.

The appointment marks the end of de Silva’s tenure as Test captain. He took over the leadership in February 2024 and led Sri Lanka in 18 Tests before stepping down in October 2026. His record as captain stood at seven wins, eight defeats and three draws.

De Silva’s decision came after a difficult period for Sri Lanka in the format, with the team losing their two Test series in 2026, 1-0 in the West Indies and 1-0 at home against India. He will, however, remain available for selection as a player.

Explaining his decision, de Silva said: “It’s my genuine opinion that the mantle should go down to the next generation.”

The leadership change gives Mendis an immediate opportunity to shape Sri Lanka’s next phase in Test cricket. His first assignment will come against Pakistan, with the series opener scheduled for November 9 at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.

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