Kusal Mendis rewarded with dual captaincy by Sri Lanka for West Indies tour afte
Leadership Shift for the Caribbean Challenge
Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has officially announced that Kusal Mendis rewarded with dual captaincy by Sri Lanka for West Indies tour afte his impressive showing in recent international and franchise leagues. The appointment marks a strategic move by the selectors to capitalize on Mendis’s current form as the team prepares for a demanding multi-format series in the Caribbean, commencing on June 3.
While Kusal Mendis will spearhead the charge in both the ODI and T20I formats, the experienced Dhananjaya De Silva retains the responsibility of leading the Test team. This balanced approach ensures that leadership duties are distributed effectively across the varying demands of international cricket formats.
The Road Ahead: Fixtures and Logistics
The upcoming tour is packed with action, spanning from early June into July. The white-ball leg of the journey features three ODIs from June 3 to June 8, followed by a three-match T20I series slated for June 12 to June 15. The tour will culminate in a two-match Test series, held between June 25 and July 7. The Sri Lankan contingent is scheduled to depart for the West Indies on May 26 to begin their acclimatization process.
All six white-ball encounters are set to be hosted at Sabina Park in Kingston, while the red-ball contests will take place at the historic Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in North Sound.
The Mendis Factor: A Stellar PSL Season
The decision to promote Kusal Mendis is largely attributed to his extraordinary performance with the Peshawar Zalmi during the 2026 Pakistan Super League. Mendis proved to be an indispensable asset, accumulating 550 runs throughout the tournament. His consistency was highlighted by an average of 55.00 and a high-octane strike rate of 168.19, qualities the SLC selectors hope to see translated into his captaincy duties.
Returning Stars and New Faces
The squad announcement brings a wave of optimism, with several high-profile players making their long-awaited returns. Most notably, star spinner Wanindu Hasaranga is back in the white-ball setup. His return is a massive boost for Sri Lanka, especially after he was sidelined during the T20 World Cup 2026 and the IPL 2026 due to a hamstring injury.
Additionally, Dushmantha Chameera returns to the ODI squad after missing the home series against England earlier this year. The inclusion of Eshan Malinga, who made waves as the leading wicket-taker for the Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL 2026, further strengthens the bowling attack. Domestic performers Pasindu Sooriyabandara and Sonal Dinusha have also earned their spots, reflecting a commitment to rewarding internal consistency.
Squad Breakdown
Test Squad: Pathum Nissanka, Lahiru Udara, Nishan Madushka, Dinesh Chandimal, Pasindu Sooriyabandara, Kamindu Mendis (VC), Sonal Dinusha, Kusal Mendis, Dhananjaya De Silva (C), Milan Rathnayake, Prabath Jayasuriya, Ramesh Mendis, Asitha Fernando, Vishwa Fernando, Lahiru Kumara, Isitha Wijesundara, Kasun Rajitha.
ODI Squad: Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Pavan Rathnayake, Kusal Mendis (C), Janith Liyanage, Charith Asalanka, Kamindu Mendis (VC), Milan Rathnayake, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Dilshan Madushanka, Eshan Malinga, Asitha Fernando, Pramod Madushan.
T20I Squad: Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Lasith Croospulle, Pavan Rathnayake, Kusal Mendis (C), Kamindu Mendis (VC), Dasun Shanaka, Milan Rathnayake, Dunith Wellalage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Dilshan Madushanka, Eshan Malinga, Binura Fernando, Nuwan Thushara.
As the team departs, the eyes of the cricketing world will be fixed on how this blend of returning veterans and rewarded performers fares in Caribbean conditions. Under the new leadership of Kusal Mendis, Sri Lanka aims to establish a dominant foothold in this high-stakes series.
