Kusal Mendis rewarded with dual captaincy by Sri Lanka for West Indies tour afte

A Strategic Shift for Sri Lankan Cricket

The leadership landscape of Sri Lankan cricket has undergone a significant transformation ahead of the upcoming tour of the Caribbean. Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has officially announced that Kusal Mendis rewarded with dual captaincy by Sri Lanka for West Indies tour afte his brilliant display of batting prowess during the 2026 season of the Pakistan Super League (PSL). Mendis, who served as a powerhouse for the Peshawar Zalmi, accumulated a staggering 550 runs at an average of 55.00 and a strike rate of 168.19, a performance that undoubtedly cemented his role as a central figure in the team’s future.

The Dual Captaincy Model

In a tactical move to distribute leadership responsibilities across formats, SLC has clarified the roles for the upcoming all-format away series starting June 3. While Kusal Mendis will spearhead the squad in ODI and T20I formats, the experienced Dhananjaya De Silva has been entrusted with the leadership of the Test team. This separation of duties is designed to allow each captain to focus on the specific demands of the format, ensuring that the team remains competitive across the board.

Tour Schedule and Logistics

The tour is set to be a comprehensive test for the Sri Lankan side, commencing with a three-match ODI series at Sabina Park, Kingston, from June 3 to June 8. This will be followed by a three-match T20I series at the same venue between June 12 and June 15. The tour will culminate in a two-match Test series held at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in North Sound, spanning from June 25 to July 7. The squad is scheduled to depart for the West Indies on May 26, marking the start of a challenging overseas campaign.

Return of the Stars

The squad announcements have brought renewed hope for Sri Lankan fans, with the return of several key players who had previously been sidelined due to injuries or lack of selection. Notably, Wanindu Hasaranga makes a triumphant return to the white-ball setups. Having missed the T20 World Cup 2026 and the entire IPL 2026 season due to a left hamstring injury, his presence in the bowling attack is expected to provide a significant boost.

Furthermore, Dushmantha Chameera, who was absent during the home ODI series against England earlier this year, returns to the ODI fold. The selectors have also recognized domestic talent, calling up players like Pasindu Sooriyabandara and Sonal Dinusha, who have been in exceptional form. Eshan Malinga, fresh off a successful stint as the leading wicket-taker for the Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL 2026, is also set to feature in the main squads.

Team Composition

The depth of the selection is evident across all three formats:

• 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 the team prepares to face the Caribbean challenge, all eyes will be on how Kusal Mendis balances his role as a leader while maintaining the high standard of batting he displayed during the PSL. The blend of seasoned veterans and rising stars suggests that Sri Lanka is aiming for a balanced and aggressive approach to international cricket in the coming months.