New Delhi, October 8, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Kusal Mendis has been appointed Sri Lanka’s Test captain, taking charge of the longest format after Dhananjaya de Silva stepped down from the leadership role.
Mendis, who already leads Sri Lanka in white-ball cricket, will begin his Test captaincy with the team’s two-match away series against Pakistan in November.
The decision was taken by the Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) Selection Committee at a meeting held at the SLC headquarters on Thursday.
Mendis has played 75 Tests and scored 4,836 runs, including 10 centuries and 23 half-centuries. He was appointed Sri Lanka’s white-ball captain in May this year, replacing Charith Asalanka as ODI captain and Dasun Shanaka as T20I captain.
Earlier on Thursday, de Silva announced his decision to relinquish the Test captaincy after leading the side since January 2024.
“It’s my genuine opinion that the mantle should go down to the next generation,” de Silva said in a letter addressed to the Sri Lanka selection committee.
The all-rounder, however, confirmed that he remains available for selection as a player.
Sri Lanka Cricket CEO Ashley de Silva thanked the former Test captain for his contribution and wished him well for the remainder of his 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.
Dhananjaya de Silva took over as Test captain in January 2024, replacing Dimuth Karunaratne. He led Sri Lanka in 18 Tests, recording seven wins.
During his captaincy, de Silva scored 1,130 runs at an average of 36.45, including three centuries and seven half-centuries. He also claimed nine wickets, with his best innings figures being 2/13.
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