A New Chapter for Sri Lankan White-Ball Cricket
In a move aimed at reshaping the leadership hierarchy, Sri Lanka Cricket has officially confirmed its squad compositions and captaincy roles for the upcoming tour of the West Indies. The most notable development is the decision that Sri Lanka name Kusal Mendis as ODI and T20I captain for WI tour, replacing previous leaders in the white-ball formats as the team looks to move past recent setbacks.
Leadership Adjustments and Tactical Shifts
Kusal Mendis assumes the ODI captaincy from Charith Asalanka, who remains a key member of the 16-man squad. In the T20I format, Mendis takes over from Dasun Shanaka, who had captained the side through the recent T20 World Cup cycle. While Shanaka continues to be a part of the T20I setup, the team is clearly pivoting toward a fresh tactical direction under Mendis’s stewardship. Kamindu Mendis has been appointed as the vice-captain for both limited-overs formats, providing a solid support structure for the new skipper.
Meanwhile, the Test side will continue to operate under the experienced leadership of Dhananjaya de Silva. The selectors have maintained continuity in the longest format, ensuring that the transition remains focused primarily on the white-ball evolution.
The Return of a Star Spinner
A major boost for the Sri Lankan touring party is the return of star all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga. Having been sidelined since early February due to a severe left hamstring injury sustained during the T20 World Cup, Hasaranga’s inclusion in both the ODI and T20I squads is a significant morale booster. His absence, which forced him to miss the IPL season, was felt deeply, and his return brings essential balance to the bowling attack and middle-order stability.
Tour Schedule Overview
The tour is set to be a comprehensive test of endurance and skill, commencing with a three-match ODI series from June 3 to June 8. Following the conclusion of the ODIs, the action transitions to the shortest format, with three T20Is scheduled for June 11, 13, and 14. The tour will conclude with two high-stakes Test matches at the Viv Richards Stadium in North Sound, scheduled for June 25–29 and July 3–7.
Full Squad Announcements
The selectors have balanced experience with emerging talent to ensure depth 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 for the Caribbean, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how Kusal Mendis implements his vision for the side. With a blend of seasoned veterans and hungry youngsters, Sri Lanka appears focused on building a resilient squad capable of performing consistently in diverse overseas conditions.
