Sri Lanka Test captain Dhananjaya de Silva has stepped down from the leadership role with immediate effect, bringing an end to his stint as captain of the Test side.
The 35-year-old said he believes the time has come to hand over the responsibility to the next generation. However, de Silva will continue to be available for selection as a player.
Dhananjaya de Silva Makes Captaincy Decision
De Silva informed Sri Lanka Cricket’s selection committee about his decision through a letter on Thursday.
He took over as Sri Lanka’s Test captain in January 2024, replacing Dimuth Karunaratne. After nearly two years in charge, he has now decided to make way for a new leader.
“It’s my genuine opinion that the mantle should go down to the next generation,” de Silva wrote in his letter to the selection committee.
De Silva’s Record As Sri Lanka Captain
De Silva led Sri Lanka in 18 Test matches during his time as captain. The team won seven of those games under his leadership.
He also made a significant contribution with the bat. De Silva scored 1,130 runs as captain at an average of 36.45. He also picked up nine wickets during his stint as skipper.
Overall, de Silva has played 69 Tests for Sri Lanka and has scored more than 4,400 runs. His Test career includes 13 centuries.
Sri Lanka Cricket Thanks De Silva
Sri Lanka Cricket CEO Ashley de Silva thanked the veteran all-rounder for his contribution to the Test team.
“Sri Lanka Cricket wishes him the very best for the remainder of his career and thanks him for the leadership he provided to our Test team,” Ashley de Silva said.
Despite stepping down as captain, Dhananjaya de Silva remains available to represent Sri Lanka as a player.
His decision now leaves Sri Lanka Cricket with the task of finding a new Test captain as the team prepares for the next phase of its red-ball campaign.
