Dhananjaya de Silva's resignation hands Test captaincy to Kusal Mendis

Dhananjaya de Silva stepped down as Sri Lanka's Test captain on Thursday, ending a tenure that began in January 2024. He led the side in 18 Tests, winning seven, and scored 1,130 runs at an average of 36.45 as captain.

Sri Lanka Cricket appointed Kusal Mendis as his successor. Mendis has played 75 Tests and has already captained the side in 22 ODIs and three T20Is. The 31-year-old will lead Sri Lanka in the two-Test series in Pakistan beginning on 9 November.

De Silva said the time had come for younger players to take charge. He remains available for selection. Sri Lanka are currently in Pakistan for a multi-format tour that includes three T20Is and an ODI tri-series.