Sri Lanka Announce Squads For West Indies Tour; Kusal Mendis Named White-Ball Captain

Sri Lanka reshuffled their leadership group for the West Indies tour, appointing Kusal Mendis as white-ball captain while Kamindu Mendis was named vice-captain.

Sri Lanka Cricket has officially revealed the squads for the upcoming all-format tour of the West Indies, with major leadership changes across the white-ball setup. Wicketkeeper-batter Kusal Mendis has been appointed captain for both the ODI and T20I squads, while Kamindu Mendis has been named vice-captain in the two formats.

The decision marks another shift in Sri Lanka’s constantly changing captaincy structure. Kusal Mendis replaces Dasun Shanaka, who had led the side during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 after taking over the role on short notice.

Although Sri Lanka impressed during the group stage of the tournament, they failed to progress further after suffering three straight defeats in the Super Eights.

Sri Lanka Continue Frequent Captaincy Shuffle

Captaincy instability has remained a major talking point in Sri Lankan cricket over the last few years. Before Shanaka, Charith Asalanka had led the national side but reportedly lost the role ahead of the World Cup. Reports had suggested that one of the reasons behind the move was his refusal to travel to Pakistan during a period of heightened security concerns.

Kusal Mendis now becomes Sri Lanka’s sixth different T20I captain in the last six years, highlighting the team’s constant search for long-term leadership stability.

In the ODI setup, Kusal directly replaces Asalanka as skipper, although the left-handed batter has retained his place in the squad. Sri Lanka will now aim to begin preparations for the 2027 ODI World Cup with renewed momentum during the West Indies tour.

ALSO READ | Virat Kohli Praises Smriti Mandhana, Jemimah Rodrigues; Opens Up On Purpose Beyond Records

Meanwhile, Dhananjaya de Silva will continue to captain the Test side, with Kamindu Mendis serving as vice-captain in the red-ball format as well.

Full Sri Lanka Squads For West Indies Tour

ODI Squad

Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Pavan Rathnayake, Kusal Mendis (C), Janith Liyanage, Charith Asalanka, Kamindu Mendis, 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, Dasun Shanaka, Milan Rathnayake, Dunith Wellalage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Dilshan Madushanka, Eshan Malinga, Binura Fernando, Nuwan Thushara.

ALSO READ | Ravi Shastri Wants 15-Year-Old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Fast-Tracked Into India T20 Debut

Test Squad

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