Sri Lanka appoints Kusal Mendis as white-ball captain for West Indies tour
The Sri Lanka Cricket selection panel has officially named Kusal Mendis as the new captain for both the ODI and T20I formats ahead of the upcoming tour of the West Indies. This decision marks a significant shift in the teams leadership structure as the island nation prepares for a busy international summer.
New era for Sri Lanka’s limited-overs cricket
Mendis takes over the ODI captaincy from Charith Asalanka, who remains part of the 16-man squad. In the T20I setup, he succeeds Dasun Shanaka, who led the side through the recent T20 World Cup but failed to guide Sri Lanka past the group stage. While Shanaka has retained his place in the T20I squad, Asalanka was notably left out of the shortest format.
Kamindu Mendis, the rising all-rounder, has been appointed vice-captain across both white-ball formats, signaling the boards focus on building a younger, more dynamic leadership core.
Key return from injury
One of the most anticipated comebacks sees Wanindu Hasaranga named in both the ODI and T20I squads. The star leg-spinner has been out of action since February after suffering a torn left hamstring during the T20 World Cup. His absence was felt deeply, especially during the IPL, where he was unable to represent the Lucknow Super Giants.
Hasarangas return adds much-needed firepower to Sri Lankas bowling attack and strengthens their middle-order batting, making him a pivotal figure in the upcoming series.
Test leadership remains unchanged
Dhananjaya de Silva will continue as captain for the two-Test series, reaffirming his role at the helm of the red-ball unit. The Tests are scheduled to be played at the Viv Richards Stadium in North Sound, Antigua, with the first match from June 2529 and the second from July 37.
Squad details
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
Tour schedule at a glance
- 3 ODIs: June 3, 6, 8
- 3 T20Is: June 11, 13, 14
- 2 Tests: June 2529 & July 37 (Viv Richards Stadium, North Sound)
The tour presents a crucial opportunity for Sri Lanka to rebuild momentum in white-ball cricket and test their depth under new leadership. With Kusal Mendis at the helm and key players like Hasaranga returning to action, all eyes will be on how the team adapts in challenging Caribbean conditions.
Rohan Kapoor is a cricket editor and sports content analyst based in New Delhi with over 6 years of experience covering IPL, T20 leagues, and international cricket. He specializes in match analysis, player statistics, and tactical breakdowns, bringing data-driven insights to modern cricket audiences across India.
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