Industry Odisha Bureau, Oct 08: Dhananjaya de Silva has stepped down as Sri Lanka’s Test captain with immediate effect. This ends his tenure in the longest format after nearly three years.
De Silva, who was appointed Test captain in January 2024, informed Sri Lanka’s selection committee about his decision in a letter. He said he believed the leadership role should now be handed to the next generation.
“It’s my genuine opinion that the mantle should go down to the next generation,” de Silva said.
The 33-year-old said that he will remain available to represent Sri Lanka as a player.
Sri Lanka Cricket CEO Ashley de Silva thanked the former captain for his contribution to the Test team and wished him well for the rest of his career.
Dhananjaya led Sri Lanka in 18 Tests after taking over from Dimuth Karunaratne. Under his captaincy, Sri Lanka won seven matches.
As captain, de Silva scored 1,130 runs at an average of 36.45 and took nine wickets at a bowling average of 44.44. He now leaves the role with Sri Lanka set to appoint a new Test captain.
