In a way, Sri Lanka have hit the reset button once more. You’ll see Kusal leading the pack on the West Indies trip, Kamindu as vice-captain in the white-ball, and de Silva for the red ball. After the kind of finish we had at the 2026 T20 World Cup, it was only a matter of time before the revolving door of captains turned again.
Why they’ve made the call on Kusal
The top job has been in flux of late; Kusal is the sixth T20I captain in six years. He is stepping in for Dasun Shanaka in the T20Is and Charith Asalanka in the ODIs, though you won’t be seeing the last of Asalanka in the 50-over side any time soon.
The idea is to get the white-ball side on an even keel for the 2027 ODI World Cup. Shanaka did well in the group phase of the T20 World Cup when he was called in on a whim, but three losses in a row in the Super Eights told a different story. In this part of the world, the captain is the first to be held to account when things don’t go to plan.
A sense of balance in the new white-ball line-ups
The selectors have put together a mix of old hands and new faces. Wanindu Hasaranga is back in the fold after a left hamstring kept him out of the 2026 T20 World Cup and the IPL. Then there’s Eshan Malinga, who has been in fine form for Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL, and he is in both squads now.
You will also see Dushmantha Chameera in the ODI set-up after he was left out for the England series in January. We are also making room for young batters like Kamil Mishara and Pavan Rathnayake, in view of the next ICC cycle. For the T20Is, you have the likes of Lasith Croospulle, Binura Fernando and Nuwan Thushara to choose from in the pace department.
Kamindu Mendis is moving up the ranks
His value to the team is no secret. As well as being vice-captain in the limited-overs, he is de Silva’s number two in the Tests. The fact they have given him a wider leadership remit says they have faith in his make-up and can do it in any format.
Experience is key in the Test room as they eye WTC honours
For the red ball, they are going with what they know as they try to build some steam in the 2025-27 World Test Championship. De Silva is in front of a side with Dinesh Chandimal, Prabath Jayasuriya and Lahiru Kumara, while Nishan Madushka and Ramesh Mendis are back to add some heft to the squad.
They are sitting in fourth in the table with a win and a draw to their name in two. You have some of the more seasoned heads in there, along with domestic standouts like Pasindu Sooriyabandara and Sonal Dinusha, in a no-nonsense effort to be more consistent.
How the tour will pan out
All the white-ball action is down at Sabina Park in Kingston. The two Tests are at the Sir Vivian Richards in North Sound. The calendar has them playing three ODIs from June 3-8, then T20Is on the 12th, 14th and 15th, with a two-Test series to start on the 25th.
They leave for the Caribbean on May 26. This is as much an audition as anything: for Kusal to show how he leads, for Kamindu to make his mark, and for Sri Lanka to put right the hiccups that come with changing captains too often.
Some of the main points to watch for on this tour:
– Kusal Mendis in the captain’s role for ODI and T20I
– Kamindu as the deputy in white-ball and for the Tests
– Dhananjaya de Silva to lead the Test side
– Hasaranga and Malinga are back in the white-ball mix
– You can find all the white-ball fixtures at Sabina Park
For Sri Lanka, it’s not so much about who you put in the team as it is about getting some clarity. With Asalanka still around for the ODIs, Hasaranga in good shape and some fresh pace to be had, the board is set. Now it is a question of whether they can gel.
