Kusal Mendis named Sri Lanka Test captain as Dhananjaya de Silva steps down
Synopsis
Kusal Mendis is now Sri Lanka's captain across all three formats after Dhananjaya de Silva's graceful exit, citing the need to hand over to the next generation. With 75 Tests and 4,836 runs behind him, Mendis faces his first Test captaincy assignment against Pakistan in November — a high-pressure away debut that will set the tone for Sri Lanka's Test ambitions.
Key Takeaways
Kusal Mendis was appointed Sri Lanka's Test captain by the SLC Selection Committee on 8 October 2026 .
Mendis becomes the all-format captain, having already led Sri Lanka in ODIs and T20Is since May 2026 .
His Test captaincy begins with a two-match series against Pakistan in November .
Dhananjaya de Silva stepped down after captaining Sri Lanka in 18 Tests since January 2024 , winning seven .
De Silva cited the need to pass leadership to the 'next generation' in a letter to the selection committee, and remains available as a player.
Mendis has played 75 Tests , scoring 4,836 runs with 10 centuries and 23 half-centuries .
Kusal Mendis has been appointed Sri Lanka's Test captain, making him the all-format skipper after Dhananjaya de Silva stepped down from the Test leadership role on 8 October 2026. The decision was taken by the Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) Selection Committee at a meeting held at the SLC headquarters, and Mendis will begin his Test captaincy tenure with a two-match away series against Pakistan in November.
How the Decision Unfolded
Mendis was already serving as Sri Lanka's white-ball captain — having been named to the role in May 2026, replacing Charith Asalanka in the ODI format and Dasun Shanaka in the T20I format. His elevation to the Test role now consolidates his position as the undisputed leader across all three formats. The SLC Selection Committee formalised the appointment at Thursday's meeting at the SLC headquarters in Colombo.
De Silva's Graceful Exit
Dhananjaya de Silva had been at the helm of the Test side since January 2024, when he replaced Dimuth Karunaratne. In a letter addressed to Sri Lanka's selection committee, de Silva cited generational transition as his reason for stepping aside. 'It's my genuine opinion that the mantle should go down to the next generation,' he wrote. The all-rounder confirmed that he remains available to represent Sri Lanka as a player.
During his tenure as captain, de Silva led the island nation in 18 Tests, winning seven of those matches. He accumulated 1,130 runs at an average of 36.45, scoring three centuries and seven half-centuries, while also picking up nine wickets with a best innings haul of 2 for 13. SLC CEO Ashley de Silva wished him well, saying: '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.'
Mendis's Credentials and Record
Mendis brings substantial experience to the Test captaincy role. He has played 75 Tests, amassing 4,836 runs that include 10 centuries and 23 half-centuries. His white-ball leadership stint gave the selection committee a recent and direct gauge of his captaincy temperament before extending the mandate to the longest format.
What Lies Ahead
The two-Test series in Pakistan in November will serve as Mendis's first assignment as Test captain — a challenging debut on foreign soil. This comes at a critical juncture for Sri Lanka cricket, with the team seeking consistency in the ICC World Test Championship cycle. The transition from de Silva's steady stewardship to Mendis's energetic all-format command will be closely watched by selectors and fans alike. How quickly Mendis adapts his white-ball captaincy instincts to the nuances of Test cricket leadership will define Sri Lanka's trajectory in the months ahead.
Point of View
But Test cricket demands a different cadence of decision-making — field placements across sessions, managing a bowling attack over five days, handling a side under pressure on day four. The Pakistan away series is a tough proving ground. Equally notable is de Silva's exit: his record of seven wins in 18 Tests is respectable, yet the SLC moved swiftly once he offered his resignation, suggesting the board was already planning this transition. Whether that was well-managed succession or an opportunistic nudge deserves scrutiny.
NationPress
8 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Kusal Mendis appointed Sri Lanka's Test captain?
Kusal Mendis was appointed Test captain by the SLC Selection Committee on 8 October 2026, following Dhananjaya de Silva's resignation from the role. Mendis was already the white-ball captain and the committee chose to consolidate leadership across all three formats under one player.
Why did Dhananjaya de Silva step down as Test captain?
De Silva stepped down voluntarily, writing in a letter to the selection committee that 'it's my genuine opinion that the mantle should go down to the next generation.' He had led Sri Lanka in 18 Tests since January 2024, winning seven, and confirmed he remains available as a player.
When will Kusal Mendis begin his Test captaincy?
Mendis will begin his Test captaincy with a two-match away series against Pakistan in November 2026. It will be his first assignment as Test skipper and a significant early test on foreign soil.
What is Kusal Mendis's Test record ahead of the captaincy?
Kusal Mendis has played 75 Tests, scoring 4,836 runs with 10 centuries and 23 half-centuries. His substantial experience at Test level was a key factor in the SLC Selection Committee's decision.
How did Dhananjaya de Silva perform as Sri Lanka's Test captain?
De Silva led Sri Lanka in 18 Tests between January 2024 and October 2026, winning seven. As captain, he scored 1,130 runs at an average of 36.45 with three centuries and seven half-centuries, and took nine wickets with a best of 2 for 13.
