Colombo: Sri Lanka Cricket has appointed Kusal Mendis as captain for both the ODI and T20I series against the West Indies, with experienced all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga poised to make his international return following a lengthy injury layoff.
Hasaranga, who has been sidelined since sustaining a hamstring tear during the early stages of the T20 World Cup in February, will rejoin the squad for the Caribbean tour. The 27-year-old leg-spinner's absence had left a significant void in Sri Lanka's white-ball setup, particularly in the T20 format where he has established himself as one of the world's premier all-rounders.
Mendis, the wicketkeeper-batter who has been a consistent performer in limited-overs cricket, now shoulders the responsibility of leading a Sri Lankan side looking to rebuild after a challenging few months. His appointment signals continuity in leadership for the island nation's white-ball teams.
The tour presents an opportunity for Sri Lanka to test their combinations ahead of major tournaments, with Hasaranga's return bolstering both their spin-bowling options and lower-middle order batting. The all-rounder's fitness will be closely monitored as he eases back into international cricket after his injury-enforced break that curtailed his World Cup campaign.