Sri Lanka name Kusal Mendis as ODI and T20I captain for WI tour

A New Chapter in Sri Lankan White-Ball Cricket

In a significant move aimed at revitalizing the national side, the Sri Lanka Cricket selection panel has announced that Sri Lanka name Kusal Mendis as ODI and T20I captain for WI tour. This leadership change marks a clear shift in strategy as the team prepares for a demanding multi-format series in the Caribbean, starting next month.

While Kusal Mendis takes the reins for the white-ball formats, the Test side will continue to be led by the steady hand of Dhananjaya de Silva. The decision to rotate captaincy roles reflects the board’s attempt to balance leadership responsibilities across the varying demands of international cricket formats.

Leadership Transitions and Strategic Shifts

Kusal Mendis assumes the ODI captaincy from Charith Asalanka, who remains a vital part of the squad. In the T20I setup, Mendis takes over from Dasun Shanaka. Shanaka, who led the team through the recent T20 World Cup, retains his place in the 16-man T20I squad, although Asalanka has been omitted from the T20I roster for this particular tour. Kamindu Mendis has been appointed as the vice-captain across both formats, providing a crucial support structure for the new skipper.

The return of star all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga is perhaps the most exciting news for Sri Lankan fans. After being sidelined since early February due to a left hamstring tear—an injury that forced him to miss the IPL season with the Lucknow Super Giants—Hasaranga is now fully fit and included in both the ODI and T20I squads. His presence is expected to provide a significant boost to the team’s spin bowling and middle-order stability.

Tour Schedule and Expectations

The upcoming tour is packed with action. The series kicks off with three ODIs scheduled from June 3 to June 8. Following the conclusion of the ODI series, the two sides will shift their focus to the shortest format, playing three T20Is on June 11, 13, and 14. Finally, the focus will turn to the red-ball game, with two Test matches held at the historic Viv Richards Stadium in North Sound, spanning from June 25 to June 29 and July 3 to July 7.

Squad Breakdown

Sri Lanka 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.

Sri Lanka 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.

Sri Lanka 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.

As the team travels to the West Indies, the focus will be on how Kusal Mendis balances his new leadership duties with his batting responsibilities. With the squad blending experienced campaigners and rising talent, the performance in this series will be a critical indicator of Sri Lanka’s progress in international cricket as they look to build momentum following recent challenges.