Kusal Mendis has been appointed as Sri Lanka's white-ball captain for the all-format tour of the West Indies in June–July 2026, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) announced on 25 May. The wicketkeeper-batter will lead the side in both the ODI and T20I series, marking a significant leadership reshuffle ahead of a demanding overseas assignment.

Leadership Changes Explained

Mendis steps into the white-ball captaincy replacing Charith Asalanka (ODIs) and Dasun Shanaka (T20Is). Kamindu Mendis has been named vice-captain across both limited-overs formats. Meanwhile, Dhananjaya de Silva retains the Test captaincy for the two-match series that concludes the tour.

Notably, Shanaka remains in the 16-member T20I squad despite losing the captaincy, while Asalanka has been dropped from the T20I squad altogether, though he retains his place in the ODI side.

Context: A Post-World Cup Reset

The reshuffle follows Sri Lanka's disappointing T20 World Cup campaign earlier in 2026, during which the team failed to advance past the group stage under Shanaka's leadership. The appointment of Mendis signals a deliberate shift in direction as the selectors look to build fresh momentum in the white-ball formats ahead of the next major cycle.

This comes amid broader squad rebuilding, with several emerging players — including Pavan Rathnayake, Kamil Mishara, and Eshan Malinga — included across formats as SLC begins integrating the next generation alongside experienced campaigners.

Hasaranga's Return Boosts Prospects

A major positive for Sri Lanka is the return of star all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga, who has been named in both the ODI and T20I squads. Hasaranga sustained a hamstring injury during the T20 World Cup in early February 2026, which also forced him to miss the IPL season with Lucknow Super Giants. His availability significantly strengthens Sri Lanka's bowling and lower-order batting options in white-ball cricket.

Experienced names such as Pathum Nissanka, Maheesh Theekshana, and Dushmantha Chameera also feature across the squads, providing continuity alongside the new leadership structure.

Tour Schedule and Venues

The tour opens with a three-match ODI series from 3 to 8 June, followed by three T20Is on 11, 13, and 14 June. The two-match Test series rounds off the trip, with both games scheduled at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium — from 25 to 29 June and 3 to 7 July.

Full Squad Lists

Test squad: Dhananjaya de Silva (capt), Kamindu Mendis, Pathum Nissanka, Lahiru Udara, Nishan Madushka, Dinesh Chandimal, Pasindu Sooriyabandara, Sonal Dinusha, Kusal Mendis, Milan Rathnayake, Prabath Jayasuriya, Ramesh Mendis, Asitha Fernando, Vishwa Fernando, Lahiru Kumara, Isitha Wijesundara, Kasun Rajitha.

ODI squad: Kusal Mendis (capt), Kamindu Mendis (vice-capt), Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Pavan Rathnayake, Janith Liyanage, Charith Asalanka, Milan Rathnayake, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Dilshan Madushanka, Eshan Malinga, Asitha Fernando, Pramod Madushan.

T20I squad: Kusal Mendis (capt), Kamindu Mendis (vice-capt), Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Pavan Rathnayake, Lasith Croospulle, Dasun Shanaka, Milan Rathnayake, Dunith Wellalage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Dilshan Madushanka, Eshan Malinga, Binura Fernando, Nuwan Thushara.

With a revamped leadership structure and Hasaranga back in the fold, Sri Lanka will look to the West Indies tour as the starting point of a renewed white-ball era.