Kusal Mendis rewarded with dual captaincy by Sri Lanka for West Indies tour afte
Contents
A New Chapter in Sri Lankan Leadership
In a significant move ahead of the upcoming international assignments, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has officially announced that Kusal Mendis rewarded with dual captaincy by Sri Lanka for West Indies tour afte his exceptional displays in the recent Pakistan Super League (PSL). The wicket-keeper batter, who has been a mainstay in the national setup, will take the helm for both the ODI and T20I formats during the Caribbean tour, which commences on June 3.
While Mendis steps into this dual role for the white-ball segments, the Test team will be led by the experienced Dhananjaya De Silva. This strategic split highlights the selectors’ focus on optimizing leadership across different formats as the team prepares for a challenging away series against the West Indies.
The Road to the West Indies
The Sri Lankan squad is scheduled to depart for the Caribbean on May 26th to acclimatize to the conditions. The tour is packed with action, featuring a three-match ODI series from June 3 to June 8, followed by a three-match T20I series concluding on June 15. The tour will then transition into the longest format, with a two-match Test series slated to take place between June 25 and July 7.
All white-ball encounters are set to be hosted at Sabina Park in Kingston, while the red-ball action shifts to the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in North Sound.
Mendis’ Form and Squad Inclusions
The decision to appoint Mendis stems largely from his breathtaking form during the 2026 PSL season, where he represented the Peshawar Zalmi. He amassed 550 runs at an impressive average of 55.00 and a strike rate of 168.19, proving that he is currently at the peak of his batting prowess.
The squads also feature the return of several key players. Notably, star spinner Wanindu Hasaranga makes his long-awaited comeback to the white-ball setup after recovering from a hamstring injury that sidelined him during the T20 World Cup and the IPL 2026 season. Dushmantha Chameera also returns to the fold, adding significant depth to the pace attack. Young talent such as Eshan Malinga, who led the wicket-taking charts for Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL, and domestic standouts like Pasindu Sooriyabandara and Sonal Dinusha, have been rewarded with national call-ups.
The Full Squads
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.
Conclusion
With a mix of seasoned veterans and hungry young talent, the Sri Lankan team looks well-equipped for the challenges ahead. As the team gears up for the West Indies, all eyes will be on Kusal Mendis to see how he manages the pressure of dual captaincy. His tactical decisions, combined with the return of match-winners like Hasaranga, could prove pivotal in securing a successful outcome on Caribbean soil.
