Sri Lanka have named a new Test captain after Dhananjaya de Silva stepped 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 in leadership ahead of the upcoming Test World Cup against Pakistan. The decision was taken by the Sri Lanka Cricket Board in a meeting held at the SLC headquarters on Thursday.

Mendis, 31, has established himself as one of Sri Lanka’s key batsmen 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 before led a team in a Test match. The SLC reinstated him as white ball captain earlier in 2026, following his earlier stint in the role.

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Mendis 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 TEST OF LEADERSHIP

Mendis’ first Test assignment will come against Pakistan, with the two-match series part of the ongoing 2025-27 World Test Championship cycle. The first Test is scheduled to be played in Rawalpindi from November 9-13, followed by the second Test in Lahore from November 17-21. Sri Lanka are already in Pakistan on 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 charge in February 2024 and led Sri Lanka in 18 Tests before stepping down in October 2026. His record as captain was seven wins, eight losses 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. However, it will remain available for selection as a player.

Explaining his decision, de Silva said: “It is my genuine opinion that the mantle should pass to the next generation.”

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

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