Kusal Mendis has been named Sri Lanka’s new white-ball captain for the upcoming tour of the West Indies, with Sri Lanka Cricket confirming a leadership change ahead of the month-long series.
The wicketkeeper-batter will lead both the ODI and T20I teams. While he returns as ODI captain, this will be the first time he will captain Sri Lanka in T20 internationals.
Kusal replaces Charith Asalanka as ODI skipper and takes over the T20I captaincy from Dasun Shanaka. Both Asalanka and Shanaka continue to be part of Sri Lanka’s white-ball squads despite the change in leadership.
For the Test series, there is no change. Dhananjaya de Silva remains captain. He has not been included in the ODI squad.
A big boost for Sri Lanka is the return of Wanindu Hasaranga. The star leg-spinner is back after recovering from the hamstring injury that ruled him out during the T20 World Cup. His return strengthens Sri Lanka’s bowling attack ahead of an important overseas tour.
There is also good news for fast bowler Eshan Malinga, who has been recalled to the white-ball setup.
Sri Lanka will, however, miss Matheesha Pathirana, who has been ruled out with a fresh injury suffered during the IPL. Meanwhile, seamer Nuwan Thushara has secured a place in the T20I squad after earlier uncertainty around his non-objection certificate.
Another key decision from selectors is the appointment of Kamindu Mendis as vice-captain across all three formats. The all-rounder continues to rise quickly within the national setup and will now serve as deputy in ODIs, T20Is and Tests.
Tour Schedule
Sri Lanka’s West Indies tour begins in early June and runs into July.
The ODI series will feature three matches from June 3 to June 8, with the opening leg starting in Kingston.
The T20I series follows from June 11 to June 14.
The tour will end with a two-match Test series from June 25 to July 7 at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua.
With a new captain in charge, senior players returning, and a full multi-format schedule ahead, Sri Lanka will hope the Caribbean tour marks a strong new chapter for their white-ball teams.