PSL star appointed Sri Lankan captain [Source: AFP]Since winning the T20 World Cup in 2014, Sri Lankan cricket has gone downhill, with the team failing to deliver across formats. The national team is currently going through turmoil, and over the last few years, the Sri Lankan selectors have made several captaincy changes.In the recently concluded T20 World Cup, Sri Lanka reached the Super 8 stage but couldn’t clear the hurdle and were eliminated. Moreover, in the World Cup 2023, the Lankan Lions got crashed out in the league stage itself.With a tough international schedule ahead, the Sri Lankan cricket board has taken a drastic step, and they have reportedly appointed a new white-ball captain. Babar Azam’s PSL teammate has been given the responsibility to lead the national side from the upcoming series.Kusal Mendis becomes Sri Lanka's white-ball captainIn the latest development, Kusal Mendis, who has been going through a purple patch as of late, has reportedly been given the captaincy responsibilities, and he has been appointed the ODI and T20I skipper.According to the latest report by NewsWire, Dasun Shanaka has been sacked from the captaincy post (T20Is), and the management has entrusted Mendis with the responsibility to lead the Sri Lankan national team.Moreover, Charith Asalanka will also step down from the ODI captaincy post, with Mendis taking over the mantle from him.Kusal Mendis awarded for his outstanding PSL seasonThe batter has been going through a strong run in 2026, and it was evident during the PSL 2026 season, where he played for the Peshawar Zalmi. Opening alongside Pakistan star, Babar Azam, Mendis forged a key partnership with him, and the duo helped Zalmi clinch the title.Playing in the Pakistan Super League, the 31-year-old smashed 550 runs in 11 innings and finished as the second-highest run-getter in the tournament after Babar himself.He struck at 168.20, and often bailed his side out of tricky situations as the Sri Lankan helped his team win the coveted PSL championship.He also slammed 197 runs in the T20 World Cup, and due to a stellar year in the T20 format, Mendis became the T20I captain of his national team.Also Read: Fastest Centuries In PSL History After Kusal Mendis’ 48-Ball CenturyMendis having a great year in ODIs as wellNot only in T20s, but the right-handed batter has been extraordinary in the ODI as well in 2026. Having played just 3 ODIs this year, Mendis has played some blinder, and is in the form of his life.In three matches, the Sri Lankan player has smacked 139 runs, with an average of 69.50, and a strike rate of 81. With the batter showcasing a stupendous form, Sri Lankan cricket has shown immense trust in Mendis’s ability, and he has a tough schedule ahead of him as Sri Lanka’s new captain.Sri Lanka's upcoming white-ball challengeMendis’ first assignment as Sri Lanka’s white-ball captain would be against the West Indies, which includes three T20Is and the same number of ODI games.Sri Lanka has all away white-ball series remaining, with the Mendis-led side also touring England, and Sri Lanka to end the tour. Against England, and India, the Lankan Lions will once again play three ODIs, and three T20I matches.Also Read: CSK vs LSG Toss: No MS Dhoni Again; Josh Inglis Included As Ruturaj Gaikwad Wins The Toss
