The latest reports have claimed that SLC is all set to appoint Kusal Mendis as captain of their national side across both white-ball formats. Meanwhile, the red-ball skipper Dhananjaya de Silva is likely to continue in his role.
The Sri Lanka Cricket Board faced backlash after their team’s exit from the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8 stage following a poor showing in the group stage. However, they lost to Zimbabwe in the group matches.
After this humiliating defeat, Dasun Shanaka might once again be sacked from the role of the T20 skipper, while on the other hand, the dagger was always looming over Charith Asalanka after he flew out of Pakistan, denying SLC’s orders.
Kusal Mendis to be appointed as Sri Lanka’s next white-ball captain
As per some latest reports, Kusal Mendis, the 31-year-old wicketkeeper-batter from Sri Lanka, is most likely to be appointed as the captain of the white-ball sides. Kusal Mendis is likely to take over as the captain of both the ODI and T20I sides.
According to The Sunday Times, Kusal is likely to be appointed the skipper of the side for their upcoming tour of the West Indies. This means he will replace Dasun Shanaka as the T20I skipper and is expected to replace Charith Asalanka as the ODI captain.
Sri Lanka aims at stability and direction for their white-ball setup ahead of a busy international schedule. Dhananjaya de Silva, on the other hand, would continue as the captain of the red-ball side.
Kusal Mendis to be awarded for a solid season in the PSL
Kusal Mendis, the Sri Lankan right-handed wicketkeeper-batter, played a massive role for the Gujarat Titans in the last season. Mendis was brought in as a replacement for Jos Buttler, the wicket-keeper from England.
Mendis played in the Pakistan Super League for the Peshawar Zalmi. Playing for the Babar Azam-led side, Kusal amassed 550 runs across 11 matches while also averaging 55 and striking at a whopping strike rate of 160.
Mendis played some spectacular knocks and showed sheer batting form, having made an impact with four half-centuries and a century while striking at a whopping 210. Mendis has seemingly been awarded for his commanding run in the PSL. The Peshawar Zalmi won the title in 2026.
Sri Lanka’s upcoming white-ball fixtures
Sri Lanka has a very long white-ball schedule awaiting them in 2026, and Kusal Mendis will have a lot to prove after being immediately appointed as the captain of the side.
Their next series is against the West Indies, which includes three ODI matches and an equal number of matches in the shortest format of the game. The same saga of ODI and T20I matches would continue in their series against the likes of England and India.
However, Sri Lanka only has away matches, as they will be on their tour to the West Indies, England, and India. The tour to India will be in December 2026, which will end the year for the national side.
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