Kusal Mendis rewarded with dual captaincy by Sri Lanka for West Indies tour afte
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Leadership Transition for the Caribbean Tour
In a significant announcement by Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), Kusal Mendis rewarded with dual captaincy by Sri Lanka for West Indies tour afte his dominant run in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2026. The appointment sees Mendis take the helm for both the ODI and T20I formats, while the leadership responsibilities for the Test squad remain with Dhananjaya De Silva. This strategic shift underscores the selectors’ confidence in Mendis’s current form and his ability to guide the team through the challenging conditions of the Caribbean.
PSL Dominance and Form
The decision to promote Mendis comes following his breathtaking campaign with the Peshawar Zalmi. Mendis proved to be a cornerstone for his franchise, accumulating an impressive 550 runs throughout the tournament. His consistency was highlighted by a stellar average of 55.00, supported by an aggressive strike rate of 168.19. This level of output in high-pressure T20 cricket made him an undeniable candidate for the captaincy in the white-ball formats.
Tour Schedule and Logistics
The Sri Lankan squad is set to depart for the West Indies on May 26 to prepare for a grueling multi-format schedule. The bilateral series begins with a three-match ODI series at Sabina Park in Kingston, running from June 3 to June 8. This will be followed immediately by a three-match T20I series at the same venue from June 12 to June 15. The tour concludes with two Test matches held at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in North Sound, spanning from June 25 to July 7.
Key Inclusions and Returning Stars
The squad announcement brings a wave of optimism, featuring the return of several high-profile players who have been sidelined due to injuries. Most notably, star spinner Wanindu Hasaranga makes his long-awaited return to the white-ball setup. Hasaranga has been recovering from a left hamstring injury that forced him to miss the T20 World Cup 2026 and the entire IPL 2026 season. His presence in the spin department will be vital for the Sri Lankan campaign.
Furthermore, Dushmantha Chameera, who missed the domestic ODI series against England earlier this year, returns to the fold. Eshan Malinga, who made waves as the leading wicket-taker for the Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL 2026, is also included in the main squad to bolster the pace attack. Domestic standouts Pasindu Sooriyabandara and Sonal Dinusha have also been rewarded with call-ups, reflecting the selection committee’s focus on rewarding consistent performance.
Full Squad Details
The following squads represent the depth of talent traveling to the West Indies:
- 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 Sri Lanka prepares for this tour, the focus will undoubtedly be on how the new captaincy structure integrates with the returning veteran talent. With the team scheduled to depart on May 26, the focus shifts to acclimatization and executing game plans on Caribbean soil.
