Sri Lanka Cricket has announced squads for the all-format tour of the West Indies, where Kusal Mendis has reclaimed the white-ball captaincy, while Charith Asalanka finds himself sidelined from the series entirely. This marks a significant leadership reset for a side that has experienced considerable turbulence at the top over the past several months.
Mendis, who keeps wicket and bats in the top order, takes charge of both the ODI and T20I squads, replacing Asalanka and Shanaka in those roles. The decision arrives on the back of considerable pressure following a troubled run in limited-overs cricket.
Sri Lanka named a new white-ball captain for the West Indies tour after the T20 World Cup failure
Sri Lanka's disappointing T20 World Cup campaign sat at the heart of this reshuffle, with the team failing to advance past the group stages under Shanaka's leadership. Consequently, the selectors moved swiftly once the tournament concluded, triggering a clean break in the white-ball setup. Shanaka, who captained the side at the T20 World Cup, retains his place in the T20I squad but without the armband.
Sri Lanka named a new white-ball captain for the West Indies tour, with Hasaranga returning
Star all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga returns to both the ODI and T20I squads, having been absent from cricketing action since February, and his experience provides a timely boost to the touring party. Meanwhile, Dhananjaya de Silva continues as the Test captain for the two-match red-ball series that forms part of the Caribbean tour.
Kamindu Mendis steps in as vice-captain across both white-ball formats, giving the side a settled-looking leadership structure ahead of a demanding tour. The tourists travel to the Caribbean shortly before the first ODI, scheduled for the 3rd of June.
Asalanka's removal from the squad entirely, rather than merely the captaincy, signals that Sri Lanka Cricket has chosen to prioritise form and clarity of direction over sentiment, as the side begins a fresh chapter under Mendis's leadership heading into the West Indies tour.
Sri Lanka Test squad:
Dhananjaya de Silva (C), 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 (C), Kamindu Mendis (VC), 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 (C), Kamindu Mendis (VC), 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.
