Sri Lanka cricket has announced that Kusal Mendis will become the new Test captain after Dhananjaya de Silva stepped down from the role. De Silva had been captain since February 2024, leading the team through 18 Test matches with a record of seven wins and eight losses. His tenure ended following a difficult run for the team, which included losing two Test series in 2026 against the West Indies and India. Despite stepping down, De Silva remains available for selection as a player, ensuring his continued impact on the squad.
Kusal Mendis, aged 31, is a seasoned player who has been a vital batter for Sri Lanka. He has experience leading the national side in limited-overs cricket, having captained 22 ODIs and three T20Is. However, this will be his first time captaining the team in Test cricket. Earlier in 2026, Mendis was reinstated as Sri Lanka's white-ball captain following a previous stint in the role, demonstrating the selectors' confidence in his leadership capabilities.
With 75 Tests played, Mendis holds a respectable batting average of 36, complemented by 10 centuries. His elevation to Test captain now puts his leadership qualities to the test in the most demanding format of the game. Sri Lanka aims to revive its Test cricket and climb the rankings under Mendis’s stewardship.
Mendis’ first assignment as Test captain will be a two-match series against Pakistan. This series is part of the ongoing World Test Championship cycle, offering a crucial opportunity for Sri Lanka to assert themselves on an international stage. Fans and selectors alike will watch closely to see how Mendis handles the responsibilities and challenges that come with leading the team.