Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) is set to appoint Kusal Mendis as captain of both the One-Day International and T20 International teams starting with the upcoming tour of the West Indies, the Sunday Times reported.
The 31-year-old wicketkeeper-batter will replace Charith Asalanka as ODI skipper and Dasun Shanaka as T20I captain, the report said, as selectors look to bring stability and direction to the white-ball setup ahead of a busy international calendar. Dhananjaya de Silva is expected to remain as Test captain.
The reshuffle follows growing scrutiny of Sri Lanka’s white-ball performances and leadership structure. Asalanka, who took over the ODI captaincy after Mendis briefly led the side in 2023, struggled to consolidate his position, with questions raised over his form and tactical decisions. Shanaka, who had previously led the T20I side with notable success, was also relieved of the role. Shanaka had returned to the T20I captaincy after facing a one-year PSL ban for contract breach.
Mendis has scored 461 runs in 11 ODI innings over the last 12 months at an average of 46.11, and 702 runs in 28 T20I innings at 28.08. He was a leading run-scorer for Pakistan Super League winners Peshawar Zalmi this year, accumulating 550 runs in 11 innings at an average of 55.
The appointment marks a return to the captaincy for Mendis, who briefly led Sri Lanka in 2023 before being replaced. Across his international career he has 4,757 runs in 73 Test matches and is regarded as one of Sri Lanka’s most dependable performers across all three formats.
The appointment comes as SLC continues to restructure its governance under the nine-member Transformation Committee chaired by Eran Wickramaratne, appointed under Sports Law No. 25 to restore stability following the Shammi Silva resignation.
Newswire carried the Sunday Times report on Saturday night.
Sources: Sunday Times, Newswire.
