Sri Lanka Announce West Indies Tour Squads; Kusal Mendis Named New White-Ball Captain

Sri Lanka Cricket has officially announced the squads for the upcoming tour of the West Indies, which is set to begin on June 3 in the Caribbean. The tour will feature three ODIs, three T20Is, and two Test matches, with a major leadership change grabbing attention ahead of the series. Kusal Mendis has been appointed as Sri Lanka’s new white-ball captain, while Dhananjaya de Silva will continue leading the side in Test cricket.

The ODI squad includes key names such as Pathum Nissanka, Charith Asalanka, Kamindu Mendis, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, and Dushmantha Chameera. Meanwhile, the T20I squad sees the inclusion of players like Dasun Shanaka, Lasith Croospulle, Nuwan Thushara, and Binura Fernando alongside the regular core. Kusal Mendis will captain both limited-overs sides as Sri Lanka begin preparations for the 2027 ODI World Cup with a refreshed approach.

In the Test setup, Sri Lanka have opted for a blend of experience and youth. Veterans such as Dinesh Chandimal, Lahiru Kumara, Prabath Jayasuriya, and Kasun Rajitha have retained their spots, while promising players like Pasindu Sooriyabandara and Sonal Dinusha earned maiden or renewed call-ups after impressive domestic performances. Dhananjaya de Silva will lead the side in the red-ball format as Sri Lanka continue their campaign in the World Test Championship 2025–27 cycle.

Kamindu Mendis has been named vice-captain across all three formats, serving as deputy to Kusal in white-ball cricket and to de Silva in Tests. One of the biggest talking points is Kusal replacing Charith Asalanka as white-ball captain, signaling Sri Lanka’s intent to reset and rebuild ahead of the next ODI World Cup cycle. The management appears keen to establish a stable leadership group for the long term.

Sri Lanka have also received a major boost with the return of star spinners Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana, both of whom had been sidelined in recent months due to injuries. Their comeback strengthens the bowling attack significantly, especially in Caribbean conditions where spin could play a key role across formats.

Currently sitting fourth in the World Test Championship standings with one win and one draw from two Tests, Sri Lanka will view the West Indies tour as a crucial opportunity to gain momentum. The selectors have also emphasized rewarding domestic consistency, with several fresh faces earning opportunities to prove themselves on the international stage during this important overseas assignment.

Sri Lanka tour of West Indies schedule

S. No.	Match	Date
1	1st ODI	June 3
2	2nd ODI	June 6
3	3rd ODI	June 8
4	1st T20I	June 12
5	2nd T20I	June 14
6	3rd T20I	June 15
7	1st Test	June 25–29
8	2nd Test	July 3–7