New Delhi, October 8, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Sri Lanka all-rounder Dhananjaya de Silva has stepped down as the team’s Test captain with immediate effect, saying he believes the leadership role should now be handed over to the next generation.
In a letter addressed to Sri Lanka’s selection committee, de Silva said it was his “genuine opinion” that the captaincy mantle should move to the next generation. He will, however, remain available for selection as a player.
Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) CEO Ashley de Silva thanked the all-rounder for his contribution as Test captain 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,” Ashley de Silva said.
Dhananjaya was appointed Sri Lanka’s Test captain in January 2024, succeeding Dimuth Karunaratne. He led the side in 18 Tests, recording seven victories.
During his captaincy tenure, Dhananjaya 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.
He began his captaincy with a 10-wicket victory over Afghanistan in a one-off Test in February 2024. Sri Lanka subsequently swept Bangladesh 2-0 away from home under his leadership.
One of the notable victories during his tenure came at The Oval, where Sri Lanka defeated England for their first Test win on English soil since 2014, although they lost the three-match series 1-2.
Sri Lanka also recorded a 2-0 home series sweep against New Zealand during Dhananjaya’s captaincy.
However, the team endured a difficult run towards the end of 2024 and into 2025, losing four consecutive Tests in South Africa and Australia. Sri Lanka also suffered a 0-1 away series defeat against the West Indies and recently lost to India at home.
His final series as Test captain was the 0-1 home defeat against India, with Sri Lanka avoiding a clean sweep in Colombo.
Dhananjaya will now continue to represent Sri Lanka as a player as the national selectors prepare to identify his successor.
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