Dhananjaya De Silva Steps Down as Sri Lanka Test Captain
The all-rounder cited a handoff to the next generation after leading Sri Lanka in 18 Tests and winning seven, officials said.
- On Thursday, Sri Lanka Test captain Dhananjaya de Silva announced his immediate resignation, citing a desire to "pass the mantle to the next generation" while remaining available as a player.
- De Silva replaced Dimuth Karunaratne as captain in January 2024 and led Sri Lanka in 18 matches, securing seven victories including wins against Bangladesh, New Zealand, and England at the Oval.
- As captain, De Silva scored 1,130 runs at an average of 36.45 and took 9 wickets; across his 69-Test career, he accumulated more than 4,400 runs including 13 centuries.
- Sri Lanka Cricket CEO Ashley de Silva thanked the outgoing captain for his leadership amid recent 0-1 series losses to India at home and the West Indies away.
- The leadership change follows Sri Lanka's four consecutive Test losses in South Africa and Australia during 2024 and 2025, though De Silva confirmed he remains available for selection as a player.
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14 Articles
Dhananjaya de Silva Resigns as Sri Lanka Test Captain, Citing 'Next Generation' Leadership | 🏏 LatestLY
Dhananjaya de Silva has stepped down as Sri Lanka's Test captain on October 8, 2026, citing a desire for the next generation to lead. The 35-year-old all-rounder, appointed in January 2024, led Sri Lanka in 18 Tests, securing 7 wins, 8 losses, and 3 draws. Despite his resignation, he remains available for selection as a player. 🏏 Dhananjaya de Silva Resigns as Sri Lanka Test Captain, Citing 'Next Generation' Leadership.
'Time for next generation': Dhananjaya quits Sri Lanka Test captaincy
Dhananjaya de Silva has resigned as Sri Lanka's Test captain with immediate effect on Thursday, citing a desire to pass the leadership to the next generation. He will continue to be available for selection as a player. De Silva led Sri Lanka in 18 Tests, winning seven, and took over the captaincy in January 2024.
After series loss against Shubman Gill’s Team India, THIS star cricketer gives up captaincy
Indian cricket team had a successful tour of Sri Lanka in the month of August this year, posting a 1-0 win in the two-match Test series. Written by: Devadyuti Das Published: October 8, 2026, 1:28 PM IST Share Share Article https://www.india.com/sports/cricket/after-series-loss-against-shubman-gill-team-india-this-star-cricketer-dhananjaya-de-silva-gives-up-captaincy-8534002/ Copy Dhananjaya de Silva (left) with Shubman Gill(Photo: IANS) Shu…
Dhananjaya De Silva: Sri Lanka's Test captain Dhananjaya de Silva has stepped down from the Test captaincy. Kusal Mendis will take over as captain.
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