Dhananjaya de Silva steps down as Sri Lanka Test captain after 18 matches

Sri Lanka begin search for new Test skipper as de Silva passes the torch

Dhananjaya de Silva has stepped down as Sri Lanka's Test captain with immediate effect, bringing the curtain down on an 18-match tenure that began in January 2024.

The 35-year-old informed the Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) selection committee of his decision in a letter, making clear he believes it is time for a changing of the guard.

"It's my genuine opinion that the mantle should go down to the next generation," de Silva wrote.

Despite relinquishing the leadership, de Silva will continue to make himself available for selection purely as a player. He remains one of the most experienced figures in the dressing room, having featured in 69 Tests for his country.

A tenure of highs and lows

De Silva took over the red-ball captaincy in January 2024 following the retirement of Dimuth Karunaratne. Across his 18 Tests in charge — spanning the 2024 to 2026 seasons — Sri Lanka won seven matches, lost eight and drew three.

There were notable successes: series victories against Afghanistan at home, Bangladesh both home and away, and New Zealand at home. His finest hour as skipper came in just his second Test in charge, when he struck centuries in both innings in Sylhet to steer Sri Lanka to a 328-run win over Bangladesh.

De Silva added two further centuries during his captaincy and averaged 36.45 with the bat in that period.

Pressure after recent struggles

His decision arrives amid a difficult stretch for Sri Lankan cricket. The side currently sit seventh in the World Test Championship standings, having suffered a series defeat in the West Indies and a home series loss to India.

SLC chief executive Ashley de Silva paid tribute to the departing captain. "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," he said.

What next?

Sri Lanka have yet to announce a replacement. Their next Test assignment is a two-match series against Pakistan, beginning in Rawalpindi on November 9 — leaving the board little time to settle on a new leader.