Sri Lanka Cricket has chosen Kusal Mendis as the white-ball captain for the upcoming tour of the West Indies. Mendis, a wicketkeeper-batter, will lead the team in both the ODI and T20I series, taking over from Charith Asalanka and Dasun Shanaka. Dhananjaya de Silva will remain the Test side captain for the two-match series.
The decision to appoint Mendis as captain marks a significant change in leadership for Sri Lanka ahead of this crucial overseas assignment. Sri Lanka Cricket revealed the squads for the West Indies tour, emphasizing matches across all formats – ODI, T20I, and Test cricket.
Following a disappointing T20 World Cup campaign earlier this year, Sri Lanka has made strategic changes in leadership. Wanindu Hasaranga’s return as an all-rounder after recovering from a hamstring injury is a positive development. Hasaranga, a key player, missed the IPL season due to this injury.
Kamindu Mendis will serve as the vice-captain in both white-ball formats, supporting Kusal Mendis. The squads also feature experienced players like Pathum Nissanka, Maheesh Theekshana, and Dushmantha Chameera. The tour will kick off with a three-match ODI series starting from June 3, followed by three T20Is and concluding with the Test series at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium.
Several emerging players, including Pavan Rathnayake, Kamil Mishara, and Eshan Malinga, are part of Sri Lanka’s squads, indicating a focus on nurturing new talent under the fresh white-ball leadership.
