Kusal Mendis Appointed Sri Lanka’s White-Ball Captain for West Indies Tour

Kusal Mendis has been handed the white-ball captaincy as Sri Lanka announced their squads for the multi-format tour of West Indies. Mendis, who previously led the country in 17 ODIs, now takes charge of both the 50-overs format and T20Is, succeeding Charith Asalanka and Dasun Shanaka respectively.

Wanindu Hasaranga returns from the on-field left hamstring injury that ruled him out of the T20 World Cup 2026 earlier this year, as well as the IPL 2026 season. The star spinner has been named in both white-ball squads.

Eshan Malinga, the leading wicket-taker for Sunrisers Hyderabad in the ongoing IPL, is in line for a national comeback after missing the T20 World Cup due to a shoulder injury. Malinga has been included in both white-ball sides.

Dushmantha Chameera, who missed Sri Lanka’s last ODI assignment against England at home in January 2026, makes his comeback in the 50-overs squad after a brief appearance for Delhi Capitals in IPL 2026.

In Test cricket, Nishan Madushka returns after representing the country in the format against England on the 2024 tour. All-rounder Ramesh Mendis has also been recalled after last featuring in the longest format in the home series against Australia in February 2025. Experienced pacer Lahiru Kumara, who missed the last Test assignment at home against Bangladesh due to injury, also returns.

Opening batter Lasith Croospulle has been recalled to the T20I squad after playing his only game for the country in October 2023. Pace bowlers Binura Fernando and Nuwan Thushara have also been called up for the T20I leg.

Tour Schedule-

• 3 ODIs: June 3-8
  3 T20Is: June 12, 14, 15
  2 Tests: Beginning June 25

The Sri Lanka team departs for the Caribbean on Tuesday (May 26).

Sri Lanka 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.

Sri Lanka 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.

Sri Lanka 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.

                                               

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