Sri Lanka have appointed Kusal Mendis as their new Test captain after Dhananjaya de Silva stepped down from the role with immediate effect. Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) announced the leadership change just hours after de Silva informed the board of his decision to relinquish the captaincy.

De Silva, who led Sri Lanka in the longest format between 2024 and 2026, has decided to make way for the next generation of players. However, the 35-year-old all-rounder has confirmed that he remains available for selection and will continue to represent the national team as a player.

Mendis will now take charge of Sri Lanka’s Test side, adding the five-day format to his existing responsibilities as captain of the ODI and T20I teams.

De Silva Steps Down After 18 Tests

De Silva’s tenure as Sri Lanka’s Test captain included 18 matches, during which the team recorded seven victories, eight defeats and three draws.

Announcing his decision in a letter addressed to the SLC selection committee, de Silva explained that he believed the time had come for younger players to take on greater responsibility.

He said it was his genuine opinion that the leadership role should pass to the next generation, indicating that his decision was intended to create an opportunity for new leadership within the team.

Despite stepping down as captain, de Silva has not announced his retirement from international cricket. His continued availability means Sri Lanka can still consider him for selection based on his performances and the team’s requirements.

SLC chief executive Ashley de Silva thanked the outgoing captain for his contribution to the national side and wished him well for the remainder of his playing career.

The board’s decision to appoint Mendis so quickly suggests that it wants continuity in leadership as Sri Lanka prepare for important fixtures in the ongoing World Test Championship cycle.

Kusal Mendis Takes Charge Across Formats

Mendis brings considerable international experience to the position. The right-handed batter has played 75 Tests, 159 One-Day Internationals and 109 T20 Internationals for Sri Lanka.

Although he has previously captained the team in limited-overs cricket, the Test format will present a new challenge for him.

Mendis has led Sri Lanka in 22 ODIs and began his T20I captaincy tenure in June 2026 during a three-match series against the West Indies. His appointment as Test captain now places him at the centre of Sri Lanka’s leadership structure across all three international formats.

The decision also gives Sri Lanka an opportunity to maintain a consistent leadership approach as the team balances its immediate results with longer-term development.

As captain, Mendis will be expected to guide an experienced group of players while helping Sri Lanka compete against strong opposition in the Test arena.

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Pakistan Series to Be His First Test Assignment

Mendis’ first assignment as Test captain will be a two-match series against Pakistan, beginning on November 9. The series forms part of the ongoing World Test Championship cycle and will provide an early assessment of his leadership in the longest format.

Before that, Mendis will lead Sri Lanka in the T20I series against Pakistan, which begins on October 9. The three-match contest will offer him another opportunity to work with the squad ahead of the upcoming Test fixtures.

The transition comes at an important stage for Sri Lankan cricket, with the team aiming to remain competitive in international cricket while preparing for the challenges of the WTC cycle.

A New Chapter for Sri Lanka Test Cricket

De Silva’s departure from the captaincy marks the end of a leadership period that began in 2024. While his record included more defeats than victories, his experience and continued availability could remain valuable to the team.

For Mendis, the appointment represents a significant step in his international career. Having already led Sri Lanka in ODIs and T20Is, he will now need to adapt his leadership to the demands of Test cricket, where tactical patience, bowling management and sustained performance across five days are crucial.

The upcoming Pakistan series will be his first opportunity to establish his approach and set the tone for Sri Lanka’s campaign.

With de Silva continuing as a player and Mendis taking over the captaincy, Sri Lanka will hope the change provides a smooth transition and a strong foundation for the matches ahead.