Kusal Mendis named Sri Lanka Test captain for Pakistan tour 2024
Synopsis
Kusal Mendis is now Sri Lanka's captain across all three formats after being handed the Test leadership ahead of a two-match series in Pakistan starting 9 November. The appointment follows Dhananjaya de Silva's voluntary step-down citing a generational handover — and puts Mendis at the centre of Sri Lanka's red-ball rebuild in the WTC 2025–2027 cycle.
Key Takeaways
Kusal Mendis named Sri Lanka Test captain for the two-Test tour of Pakistan in the WTC 2025–2027 cycle.
The first Test begins in Rawalpindi on 9 November ; the second is in Lahore .
Mendis has played 75 Tests , scoring 4,836 runs with 10 centuries and 23 half-centuries .
Dhananjaya de Silva stepped down as Test captain last week after leading Sri Lanka since January 2024 .
Pathum Nissanka is in the squad but requires medical clearance for the first Test.
Anjala Bandara earns a maiden Test call-up in the 15-member squad .
Kusal Mendis will lead Sri Lanka in Test cricket for the first time as the Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) Selection Committee named a 15-member squad for a two-Test tour of Pakistan in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025–2027 cycle. The series opens in Rawalpindi on 9 November, before the action shifts to Lahore for the second Test.
Mendis Takes the Red-Ball Helm
The SLC Selection Committee finalised Mendis' appointment at a meeting held at the board's headquarters on Thursday. The wicketkeeper-batter brings considerable experience to the role, having featured in 75 Tests and accumulated 4,836 runs, including 10 centuries and 23 half-centuries. His elevation to Test captain now places him in charge across all three international formats.
Mendis was first appointed Sri Lanka's white-ball captain in May, taking over the ODI role from Charith Asalanka and the T20I captaincy from Dasun Shanaka. The Pakistan tour will be his first opportunity to lead the side in the longest format in a competitive series.
De Silva Steps Down, Cites Generational Shift
The captaincy change follows Dhananjaya de Silva's decision to step down as Test captain last week. De Silva had led Sri Lanka in the format since January 2024 and explained his reasoning in a letter to the selection committee. 'It's my genuine opinion that the mantle should go down to the next generation,' de Silva wrote. His departure marks the end of a leadership era that steered Sri Lanka through several high-profile Test assignments.
Squad Updates: Nissanka Availability and Bandara's Debut Call-Up
Opening batter Pathum Nissanka has been included in the squad but his participation in the first Test remains conditional on his recovery and medical clearance. He will travel with the touring party only if declared fit ahead of the series. Meanwhile, Anjala Bandara earned a maiden Test call-up, earning his place in the 15-member group for the away assignment.
Full Squad and WTC Context
Sri Lanka enter the Pakistan series looking to strengthen their position in the ongoing WTC cycle. The two-match series carries significant points, and Mendis' captaincy debut will be closely watched as a marker for Sri Lanka's red-ball direction under new leadership.
Sri Lanka squad for Pakistan Tests: Kusal Mendis (c), Pathum Nissanka, Pasindu Sooriyabandara, Dinesh Chandimal, Kamindu Mendis, Sonal Dinusha, Dhananjaya de Silva, Anjala Bandara, Keshara Nuwantha, Prabath Jayasuriya, Milan Rathnayaka, Lahiru Kumara, Asitha Fernando, Dilshan Madushanka and Eshan Malinga.
With Mendis now holding the captaincy across all formats, Sri Lanka's next phase of leadership is firmly set — and the Pakistan Tests will be the first real measure of his credentials as a red-ball skipper.
Point of View
But it also concentrates pressure on one player at a critical juncture in Sri Lanka's WTC campaign. De Silva's self-described generational handover is commendable, but the real test is whether Mendis can translate his white-ball assertiveness into the patience and strategy that Test captaincy demands. Sri Lanka's red-ball record in subcontinental away conditions has been mixed, and Pakistan — with spin and pace conditions that shift sharply — will be an unforgiving debut stage. The Nissanka fitness cloud and Bandara's uncapped status add uncertainty to a squad that needs cohesion from the outset.
NationPress
13 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Kusal Mendis appointed Sri Lanka's Test captain?
Kusal Mendis was appointed Test captain after Dhananjaya de Silva voluntarily stepped down last week, citing a desire to hand responsibility to the next generation. The SLC Selection Committee formalised Mendis' appointment at a meeting at the board's headquarters on Thursday.
When and where will Sri Lanka play Pakistan in Tests?
The two-Test series begins in Rawalpindi on 9 November, with the second Test to be played in Lahore. Both matches are part of the ICC World Test Championship 2025–2027 cycle.
Will Pathum Nissanka play in the Pakistan Test series?
Nissanka has been included in the 15-member squad but his availability for the first Test depends on his recovery and medical clearance. He will travel with the team only if declared fit before the series starts.
Who is Anjala Bandara and why is his selection notable?
Anjala Bandara has earned a maiden Test call-up in Sri Lanka's squad for the Pakistan tour, making the 15-member group for the first time. His selection is notable as it signals the selectors' willingness to introduce fresh talent for the away assignment.
Does Kusal Mendis now captain Sri Lanka in all formats?
Yes. Mendis was appointed white-ball captain in May 2024, taking over the ODI role from Charith Asalanka and the T20I captaincy from Dasun Shanaka. His elevation as Test skipper means he now leads Sri Lanka across all three international formats.
