Kusal Mendis has been named Sri Lanka’s new Test captain, completing his move to the leadership role across all three formats. Mendis, who already leads Sri Lanka in ODIs and T20Is, will begin his Test captaincy with the team’s two-match away series against Pakistan in November.

Mendis Takes Charge Of Test Team

The decision was taken by the Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) Selection Committee during a meeting at the board’s headquarters on Thursday.

Mendis brings plenty of experience to the role. The 31-year-old has played 75 Tests for Sri Lanka and has scored 4,836 runs, including 10 centuries and 23 half-centuries.

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He was handed the white-ball captaincy in May this year, replacing Charith Asalanka as ODI captain and Dasun Shanaka as T20I captain.

Dhananjaya De Silva Steps Down

Mendis takes over from Dhananjaya de Silva, who stepped down as Sri Lanka’s Test captain earlier on Thursday.

De Silva had been in charge of the Test side since January 2024, when he replaced Dimuth Karunaratne. He decided to give up the role because he felt it was time for the next generation to take charge.

“It’s my genuine opinion that the mantle should go down to the next generation,” de Silva said in a letter sent to the Sri Lanka selection committee.

The all-rounder, however, will continue to remain available for Sri Lanka as a player.

De Silva’s Record As Test Captain

De Silva led Sri Lanka in 18 Tests during his captaincy stint. The team won seven of those matches under his leadership.

With the bat, he scored 1,130 runs at an average of 36.45, including three centuries and seven half-centuries.

He also contributed with the ball, taking nine wickets during his time as captain. His best bowling figures in that period were 2/13.

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SLC CEO Ashley de Silva thanked Dhananjaya for his contribution as Test captain and wished him well for the rest of his playing career.

“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,” the SLC CEO said.

Mendis will now look to build on his white-ball leadership experience as he takes charge of Sri Lanka’s Test side for the first time against Pakistan in November.


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