Kusal Mendis is set to lead Sri Lanka in Test cricket for the first time when the two-match series against Pakistan gets under way in Rawalpindi on November 9. The appointment came on October 8, 2026, when Sri Lanka Cricket confirmed Mendis as Test captain after Dhananjaya de Silva stepped down with immediate effect, citing a desire to hand over leadership to the next generation.
Mendis brings considerable experience to the role, having represented Sri Lanka in 75 Test matches and 343 international appearances across all three formats. He has also captained the side in 22 ODI matches since October 2023, recording 10 wins and 10 defeats in that format, making the Test assignment his first in the longest format as skipper.
De Silva led Sri Lanka in 18 Tests between February 2024 and August 2026, recording 7 wins, 8 defeats and 3 draws before stepping aside. Mendis now inherits a squad that has spent more than a month in Pakistan playing white-ball cricket ahead of the Test leg of the tour.
The broader squad assessment from Mendis seemed quite assured. He also noted that Sri Lanka had not won a Test against India or West Indies across two series in 2026, making this tour an important opportunity for the side under new leadership.
“We have a very balanced side, both with the bowling and batting unit. I think we’ve done really well in the past couple of tours in the bowling side, and same in one-day cricket – the fast-bowling attack is doing well,” Mendis was quoted as saying by Cricinfo.
Despite that uncertainty, the new Test captain expressed clear confidence in his batting resources. Sri Lanka’s middle order features Dinesh Chandimal and Dhananjaya de Silva alongside Mendis himself, giving the side a core of senior, experienced batters.
“I think the batters have to manage our skills and preparation well. I know we have a very good batting line-up with some very senior players… Dinesh Chandimal, Dhananjaya de Silva, myself, and a couple of other guys,” Mendis added.
How does Mendis assess Sri Lanka’s readiness for the Pakistan conditions?
Mendis was candid about what to expect from the Rawalpindi surface, noting that the hosts were likely to prepare something different from what the island nation had encountered during the white-ball leg.
“We know they will be giving a little bit different wicket,” he said, signalling that his side had factored pitch variability into their preparation.
The visitors’ bowling attack for the Rawalpindi Test is built around a combination of pace and spin. Asitha Fernando, Lahiru Kumara and Dilshan Madushanka form the fast-bowling core, with Eshan Malinga and Milan Rathnayaka providing additional seam options. Prabath Jayasuriya leads the spin department and is expected to play a central role on Pakistani pitches. Mendis pointed the depth and experience within this group ahead of the series opener.
“I think we’ve done really well in the past couple of tours in the bowling side, and same in one-day cricket – the fast-bowling attack is doing well. We have a very senior bowling unit, the guys have played so many first-class and international matches. Same in the batting, so everyone is ready for tomorrow’s game.” he said, reflecting the collective readiness of the Sri Lankan camp.
What challenges have Sri Lankans faced off the field on the Pakistan Tour?
Speaking on the eve of the first Test, Mendis acknowledged that the extended stay had not been without its challenges.
“I think everyone mostly likes to play Test cricket. Me as well. I’m very happy to captain in Test cricket. I think we’ve been staying in Pakistan for more than one month. It’s not easy, sometimes we stay in the hotel and come to practice and that’s it… I think it’s a little bit hard to stay one month in a hotel. But we do some stuff in the team room, games and individual things [to keep ourselves entertained].” he said.
“Security-wise, everybody is very happy. Food, we normally eat spicy and everything, so same like in Sri Lanka it’s in Pakistan. I think everyone has had a happy stay in Pakistan,” he said further.
