Live Update: “The mantle should go to the next generation” – Dhananjaya de Silva quits Test post The 35-year-old all-rounder has resigned from his Test post and says he wants the role to be passed on to a younger generation of Sri Lankan cricketers.
Dhananjaya de Silva. (Photo Source: Sri Lanka Cricket) Dhananjaya de Silva has resigned as Sri Lanka Test champions with immediate effect, Sri Lanka Cricket confirmed in an official press release dated October 8, 2026. The 35-year-old communicated his decision directly to the selection committee, expressing his clear desire to hand over the leadership role to a younger generation of players.
De Silva, born September 6, 1991, made it clear that his decision only concerned detention. He has no plans to move away from international cricket and will continue to be available as a player in all formats. In a letter to the selection committee, de Silva said: “I strongly believe that the role should go to the next generation.” Sri Lanka Cricket CEO Ashley de Silva acknowledged the outgoing ctain’s achievements and said: “Sri Lanka Cricket wishes him all the best for the rest of his career and thanks him for the leadership he has provided to our Test team.” Why did Dhananjaya de Silva resign as a member of the Sri Lanka Test team?
De Silva’s argument, as set out in his communication to the selection committee, was nothing short of generational. He expressed the view that young players should now take over the leadership responsibility for Sri Lanka in the longest format. De Silva was pointed Sri Lanka’s 18th champion in January 2024, succeeding Dimuth Karunaratne.
His tenure lasted almost three years, during which he led the team through 18 test matches. Under his leadership, Sri Lanka has recorded seven wins, eight losses and three draws, a win rate of 38.88 percent. Who will be Sri Lanka’s next Test candidate?
Sri Lanka Cricket had not named a successor to the Test seat by October 8, 2026. The selection committee is expected to confirm a replacement in due course, although no timetable, shortlist or preferred candidate has been released. De Silva’s continued availability as a player is a notable aspect of this transition.
His experience in all three formats means he could feature in future Test teams under the leadership of the next team leader. Also Read: Players’ participation in privatized BBL not guaranteed without financial agreement, warns ACA Sri Lanka’s next Test pearance is scheduled to be against Pakistan in November. The two Asian giants will face each other in a two-match Test series.
The first Test will be played in Rawalpindi while the second will be played in Lahore.
