ISLAMABAD: Sri Lankan Test Team Captian Dhananjaya De Silva steps down as a captian of his side.
According to the sources , Dhananjaya de Silva steps down as Test captain ahead of Pakistan series, sending shockwaves through Sri Lankan cricket as the team prepares for its high-profile subcontinental assignment.
In an official communication addressed to the national selection committee, Dhananjaya de Silva announced his immediate resignation from the Test captaincy, citing that leadership responsibilities should now transition smoothly to the next generation.
While relinquishing his leadership role, he confirmed his availability to continue serving the national side purely as a senior player.
Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) Chief Executive Ashley de Silva acknowledged his decision, expressing gratitude for his tenure and confirming that the board looks forward to his continued contributions on the field.
The upcoming two-match Test series between Pakistan and Sri Lanka is scheduled to kick off, with the first Test starting on November 9 at the Pindi Cricket Stadium in Rawalpindi, followed by the second Test on November 17 at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.
Sri Lanka Cricket is expected to announce a new squad shortly, with explosive batter Kusal Mendis emerging as the leading candidate to take over as interim captain.
Sri Lankan Team Performance Across All Formats (Past Five Years)
An analysis of ESPN metrics highlights a turbulent rebuilding phase for Sri Lanka across all formats over the last five years.
In Test cricket, the team has shown relative resilience, securing notable away series victories in Bangladesh and strong home performances, though consistency remains a challenge against top-tier opponents.
ResearchGate
In limited-overs cricket (ODIs and T20Is), the Lions have experienced a noticeable slide following the transition of their legendary veteran generation.
While flashes of brilliance—such as historic bilateral series wins and competitive spells—surface periodically, frequent fluctuations in squad composition and batting collapses have heavily impacted their win percentages.
Their campaign in major ICC events during this window also exposed vulnerabilities, particularly in handling pressure during crucial knockout and Super stages.
ALSO READ: Pakistan vs Sri Lanka T20I Series: Return of Senior Stars and Squad Overhaul
As Dhananjaya de Silva steps down as Test captain ahead of Pakistan series, the board faces an uphill battle to restore stability and long-term competitiveness across all international formats.
