Sri Lanka name Kusal Mendis as ODI and T20I captain for WI tour

A New Chapter in Sri Lankan White-Ball Cricket

In a major strategic shift, the Sri Lanka Cricket selection panel has confirmed that they will Sri Lanka name Kusal Mendis as ODI and T20I captain for WI tour. This decision signals a clear intent to revamp the leadership structure as the team heads to the West Indies for a comprehensive all-format series. While Mendis steps into the white-ball helm, Dhananjaya de Silva will maintain his role as the leader of the Test squad for the two-match series.

The Leadership Transition

The transition sees Kusal Mendis taking over the ODI captaincy from Charith Asalanka. Asalanka remains a key part of the setup and has been included in the 16-man squad. In the T20I format, Mendis succeeds Dasun Shanaka. Shanaka, who captained the side through the recent T20 World Cup, remains in the T20I squad, though the leadership baton has been officially passed on. Kamindu Mendis has been appointed as the vice-captain for both limited-overs formats, providing essential tactical support to the new captain.

The Return of Wanindu Hasaranga

One of the most anticipated aspects of the announcement is the return of star all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga. After sustaining a left hamstring tear during the T20 World Cup, which sidelined him since early February and forced him to miss the IPL, Hasaranga is officially back. His inclusion in both the ODI and T20I squads is a massive boost for the balance of the team, as his spin bowling and aggressive middle-order batting are central to Sri Lanka’s white-ball strategy.

Tour Schedule and Logistics

The tour is scheduled to be an intensive period of cricket for the visitors. The action kicks off with a three-match ODI series, running from June 3 to June 8. Following the conclusion of the ODIs, the teams will shift focus to the T20I format for three encounters scheduled for June 11, 13, and 14. The tour concludes with two Test matches held at the iconic Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in North Sound, spanning from June 25 to June 29 and July 3 to July 7.

Squad Breakdown

The selectors have been meticulous in balancing experience with emerging talent across all three formats.

Sri Lanka Test Squad

Dhananjaya de Silva (capt), Kamindu Mendis, Pathum Nissanka, Lahiru Udara, Nishan Madushka, Dinesh Chandimal, Pasindu Sooriyabandara, Sonal Dinusha, Kusal Mendis, Milan Rathnayake, Prabath Jayasuriya, Ramesh Mendis, Asitha Fernando, Vishwa Fernando, Lahiru Kumara, Isitha Wijesundara, Kasun Rajitha.

Sri Lanka ODI Squad

Kusal Mendis (capt), Kamindu Mendis (vice-capt), Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Pavan Rathnayake, Janith Liyanage, Charith Asalanka, Milan Rathnayake, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Dilshan Madushanka, Eshan Malinga, Asitha Fernando, Pramod Madushan.

Sri Lanka T20I Squad

Kusal Mendis (capt), Kamindu Mendis (vice-capt), Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Pavan Rathnayake, Lasith Croospulle, Dasun Shanaka, Milan Rathnayake, Dunith Wellalage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Dilshan Madushanka, Eshan Malinga, Binura Fernando, Nuwan Thushara.

As the team prepares to depart, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how Kusal Mendis adjusts to the pressures of dual-format leadership. With a mix of seasoned veterans and hungry youngsters, the Sri Lankan squad is poised to make a statement on Caribbean soil.