Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) have named Kusal Mendis as captain of both the ODI and T20I sides for the upcoming multi-format tour of the West Indies, signalling a fresh leadership direction ahead of a crucial international season.
Mendis, who has previously captained Sri Lanka in 17 One-Day Internationals, takes over the ODI leadership from Charith Asalanka and the T20I captaincy from Dasun Shanaka. The 30-year-old wicketkeeper-batter will now lead the side in both white-ball formats during the Caribbean tour, which begins next month.
The selectors announced squads for the Test, ODI and T20I series on Sunday, with Sri Lanka scheduled to depart for the West Indies on Tuesday, May 26.
Among the major boosts for Sri Lanka is the return of star leg-spinner Wanindu Hasaranga, who missed the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup earlier this year and IPL 2026 due to a left hamstring injury. Hasaranga has been included in both white-ball squads and is expected to play a key role in Caribbean conditions that traditionally favour spin.
Fast bowler Eshan Malinga has also earned a recall after an impressive Indian Premier League campaign with Sunrisers Hyderabad. The young paceman emerged as SRH’s leading wicket-taker during the tournament and has now been rewarded with places in both the ODI and T20I squads. Malinga had earlier missed the T20 World Cup owing to a shoulder injury.
Experienced seamer Dushmantha Chameera returns to the ODI setup after missing Sri Lanka’s previous ODI assignment against England at home earlier this year. Chameera recently featured briefly for Delhi Capitals in IPL 2026 and adds much-needed experience to Sri Lanka’s pace attack.
The T20I squad also sees the return of opening batter Lasith Croospulle, who last played for Sri Lanka in October 2023. Pace bowlers Binura Fernando and Nuwan Thushara have also been drafted into the shortest-format squad.
Meanwhile, Sri Lanka’s Test squad includes several notable recalls. Nishan Madushka returns to the red-ball side for the first time since the England tour in 2024, while all-rounder Ramesh Mendis has been brought back after last featuring in the home series against Australia in February 2025. Fast bowler Lahiru Kumara also makes his return after recovering from injury.
Dhananjaya de Silva will continue to lead the Test side, with Kamindu Mendis serving as vice-captain.
Sri Lanka are scheduled to play three ODIs from June 3 to 8, followed by three T20Is on June 12, 14 and 15. The tour will conclude with a two-match Test series beginning on June 25.
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.
