Kusal Mendis has been appointed as Sri Lanka's Test captain for the upcoming ICC World Test Championship series against Pakistan, marking his first assignment in this leadership role.
Key facts
Kusal Mendis will captain Sri Lanka for the first time in Tests during the two-match series against Pakistan starting November 9, 2026.
The squad features batter Pathum Nissanka, pending his recovery from a hamstring injury.
Sri Lanka ranks seventh in the WTC standings with a points percentage of 33.33, whereas Pakistan is at the bottom with 4.63.
Dhananjaya de Silva, who stepped down from captaincy, remains in the squad.
Why it matters: This series is a chance for Sri Lanka to improve their standing in the World Test Championship, with Mendis stepping into a leadership role that could define his career.
The two-Test series against Pakistan is set to begin on November 9, 2026, in Rawalpindi and Lahore.
Mendis has previously captained Sri Lanka in T20 and ODI formats, making this his debut in Test cricket leadership.
Sri Lanka's recent performance includes a disappointing home series loss to India, making this series against Pakistan even more consequential.
Driving the news: Kusal Mendis was officially named captain by Sri Lanka's cricket board on October 8, 2026, following Dhananjaya de Silva's decision to step down from the role.
De Silva, 35, expressed his desire to pass the leadership to the next generation, stating, "It's my genuine opinion that the mantle should go down to the next generation," in a letter to selectors.
Mendis, at 31, has played 75 Tests since his debut in 2015, scoring 4,836 runs, which adds experience to his new role.
Pathum Nissanka's inclusion in the squad is contingent on his recovery from a hamstring injury sustained during an ODI series against England.
State of play: The current standings in the World Test Championship highlight the urgency for both teams.
Sri Lanka sits seventh in the WTC points table with a points percentage of 33.33, having secured one win, two losses, and three draws in this championship.
Pakistan occupies the last position with a points percentage of 4.63, having won only two out of nine Tests during the current WTC period.
Recent performances saw Pakistan suffer a 0-3 series defeat against England, adding pressure as they face Sri Lanka.
The big picture: The leadership change comes at a time when both teams are looking to turn around their fortunes in the WTC.
With Mendis at the helm, Sri Lanka aims to revitalize their campaign, especially after their recent loss to India, where they managed to avoid a whitewash in the second Test.
De Silva's continued presence in the squad provides a blend of experience and youthful energy as the team transitions.
The selection of uncapped wicketkeeper-batter Anjala Bandara, who has an impressive first-class batting average of 65.85, signals a focus on nurturing new talent.
What they're saying: Reactions to Mendis's appointment highlight expectations and support from the cricket community.
Former players and analysts have expressed optimism about Mendis's leadership skills, noting his previous success in shorter formats.
Fans are eager to see how Mendis will implement his strategies and motivate the team against a struggling Pakistan side.
As Sri Lanka seeks to improve its WTC standing, stakeholders hope this leadership change will inspire a renewed fighting spirit.
What's next: The upcoming Test series against Pakistan is set to be a defining moment for Mendis and the Sri Lankan team.
The first Test begins on November 9 in Rawalpindi, followed by the second Test in Lahore starting November 17, 2026.
Attention will turn to Mendis as he leads a squad that also includes experienced players like Dinesh Chandimal and the returning Dilshan Madushanka.
Pathum Nissanka's fitness will be closely monitored as his performance could significantly impact the team's chances in the series.