News

Sri Lanka name Kusal Mendis as ODI and T20I captain for WI tour

Tanay Hughes · 25/05/2026 · 3 min read

A New Chapter for Sri Lankan Cricket

In a major strategic shift, the Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) selection panel has confirmed that Sri Lanka name Kusal Mendis as ODI and T20I captain for WI tour. This decision marks a pivotal moment for the national side as they prepare to face the West Indies in a multi-format series starting next month. Kusal Mendis, a seasoned campaigner, will be stepping into the leadership role for both the limited-overs formats, aiming to bring stability and a fresh tactical approach to the squad.

While Kusal Mendis takes charge of the white-ball teams, Dhananjaya de Silva continues his tenure as the Test captain. De Silva will lead the side through the two-Test series, providing continuity in the longest format of the game, which is crucial for Sri Lanka’s long-term development in the ICC World Test Championship cycle.

Leadership Transition and Tactical Adjustments

The appointment of Kusal Mendis sees a transition in the white-ball setup. In the ODI format, he takes over the reins from Charith Asalanka. Although Asalanka remains a vital part of the team and has been included in the 16-man ODI squad, the decision to pivot to Mendis reflects the selectors’ desire to evaluate different leadership styles. Kamindu Mendis has been appointed as the vice-captain, offering strong support to the new skipper.

Similarly, the T20I setup undergoes a significant change. Kusal Mendis replaces Dasun Shanaka, who served as the T20I captain through a challenging period, including the recent T20 World Cup where the team failed to progress past the group stages. While Shanaka remains within the T20I squad to contribute with his experience, the leadership baton has been passed to Mendis in a bid to revitalize the team’s T20 fortunes.

The Return of Wanindu Hasaranga

Perhaps the most encouraging news for Sri Lankan supporters is the return of star all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga. After being sidelined since early February due to a left hamstring tear suffered during the T20 World Cup, Hasaranga’s return is a massive boost for both the ODI and T20I squads. Having missed the IPL season for the Lucknow Super Giants during his recovery, he is now poised to make a significant impact on the pitches in the West Indies.

The West Indies Tour Itinerary

The upcoming tour is packed with action, spanning across June and early July. The series will commence with three ODI encounters scheduled from June 3 to June 8. Following the conclusion of the ODI series, the teams will shift their focus to the shortest format, with three T20Is lined up for June 11, 13, and 14.

The tour will culminate with two Test matches, providing a stern test of technique and temperament. These matches are set to be held at the Viv Richards Stadium in North Sound, with the first Test running from June 25 to 29, and the second from July 3 to 7.

Squad Breakdown

Sri Lanka Test Squad

Dhananjaya de Silva (capt)
Kamindu Mendis
Pathum Nissanka
Lahiru Udara
Nishan Madushka
Dinesh Chandimal
Pasindu Sooriyabandara
Sonal Dinusha
Kusal Mendis
Milan Rathnayake
Prabath Jayasuriya
Ramesh Mendis
Asitha Fernando
Vishwa Fernando
Lahiru Kumara
Isitha Wijesundara
Kasun Rajitha

Sri Lanka ODI Squad

Kusal Mendis (capt)
Kamindu Mendis (vice-capt)
Pathum Nissanka
Kamil Mishara
Pavan Rathnayake
Janith Liyanage
Charith Asalanka
Milan Rathnayake
Wanindu Hasaranga
Dunith Wellalage
Maheesh Theekshana
Dushmantha Chameera
Dilshan Madushanka
Eshan Malinga
Asitha Fernando
Pramod Madushan

Sri Lanka T20I Squad

Kusal Mendis (capt)
Kamindu Mendis (vice-capt)
Pathum Nissanka
Kamil Mishara
Pavan Rathnayake
Lasith Croospulle
Dasun Shanaka
Milan Rathnayake
Dunith Wellalage
Wanindu Hasaranga
Maheesh Theekshana
Dushmantha Chameera
Dilshan Madushanka
Eshan Malinga
Binura Fernando
Nuwan Thushara

As the team prepares for this crucial series, all eyes will be on how the new leadership dynamic unfolds on the field. The inclusion of experienced heads alongside rising talent suggests a balanced approach to this challenging away tour.

Tanay Hughes

Tanay Hughes is a senior cricket correspondent for the Daily FT, Sri Lanka’s leading financial daily. Of Burgher descent, Hughes grew up steeped in the island’s rich literary and cricketing traditions. He covers the national team, the World Test Championship, and the domestic circuit with a special focus on spin bowling and the transformation of cricket infrastructure after the civil war. His work also explores the business side of the sport, including broadcasting deals and the financial pressures on smaller Test-playing nations. A Colombo native and University of Colombo graduate, Hughes is a regular voice on Sri Lankan television panels and contributes to The Cricketer and Wisden online.