Dhananjaya de Silva Steps Down as Sri Lanka Test Captain

Dhananjaya de Silva has stepped down as Sri Lanka’s Test captain, citing his desire to hand over leadership responsibilities to the next generation. However, he remains available for selection as a player.

Sri Lanka’s next Test assignment is a two-match series against Pakistan, scheduled to begin on November 9 in Rawalpindi. The selectors have yet to announce a replacement for de Silva.

With Sri Lanka almost certain to miss out on a top-two finish in the current World Test Championship cycle, the decision could also provide the incoming leadership with an opportunity to gain experience before the next cycle begins.

Sri Lanka Cricket chief executive Ashley de Silva thanked Dhananjaya for his leadership and wished him well for the remainder of his career. The statement also welcomed his continued availability as a player.

During Dhananjaya’s tenure as Test captain, Sri Lanka recorded seven wins, eight defeats and three draws in 18 matches.

His most successful year as captain was 2024. Sri Lanka secured a 2-0 Test series victory in Bangladesh, recorded a memorable win at The Oval against England despite losing the series 2-1, and subsequently defeated New Zealand 2-0 at home.

However, the team also endured a run of four consecutive defeats against South Africa away from home and Australia at home between late 2024 and early 2025.

One of the major challenges during Dhananjaya’s tenure was Sri Lanka’s limited Test schedule. After completing a 1-0 home series victory against Bangladesh in June 2025, the team had no Test matches scheduled for the following 12 months.

Sri Lanka are also playing just 12 Tests in the current World Test Championship cycle, the minimum number allocated to a team. Dhananjaya had repeatedly highlighted the difficulties this limited schedule created, particularly for players specialising in Test cricket.

His resignation comes amid wider changes to the leadership and management of Sri Lanka’s men’s teams. Earlier this year, Kusal Mendis replaced Charith Asalanka as captain in limited-overs cricket.

Mendis is also among the players who could be considered for the vacant Test captaincy, although the selectors have not yet made a final decision.