Dhananjaya de Silva steps down as Sri Lanka Test captain

Dhananjaya de Silva has stepped down as Sri Lanka’s Test captain with immediate effect, bringing an end to his stint as skipper after 18 matches.

The 35-year-old will, however, continue to make himself available for selection as a player.

De Silva informed the Sri Lanka Cricket Board’s selection committee of his decision in a letter, saying he believes the leadership should now be handed over to the next generation.

“It’s my genuine opinion that the mantle should go down to the next generation,” de Silva said in the letter.

De Silva took over as Sri Lanka’s Test captain in January 2024 after Dimuth Karunaratne retired.

During his 18 Tests in charge between 2024 and 2026, Sri Lanka won seven matches, lost eight and drew three.

His tenure included series victories against Afghanistan at home, Bangladesh both at home and away, and New Zealand at home.

One of his standout performances as captain came in only his second Test in charge, when he scored centuries in both innings in Sylhet to help Sri Lanka secure a 328-run victory over Bangladesh.

He added two more centuries during his captaincy and averaged 36.45 with the bat.

De Silva’s decision comes after a difficult period for Sri Lankan cricket.

The team currently sit seventh in the World Test Championship standings following a series defeat in the West Indies and a home series loss to India.

De Silva, who has played 69 Tests for Sri Lanka, remains one of the most experienced members of the side.

“Sri Lanka Cricket wishes him the very best for the remainder of his career and thanks him for the leadership he provided to our Test team,” SLC CEO Ashley de Silva said.

Sri Lanka have yet to announce a replacement for De Silva.

Their next Test assignment is a two-match series against Pakistan, beginning in Rawalpindi on November 9.