Dhananjaya de Silva becomes 18th Test captain of Sri Lanka, Dimuth Karunaratne pens down emotional message

Dhananjaya de Silva has been named as the 18th Test captain of Sri Lanka. The 32-year-old all-rounder takes over the captaincy from Dimuth Karunaratne who led Sri Lanka in 30 Test matches.

Upul Tharanga, Sri Lanka's new chief selector, made the announcement saying that there was no option other than appointing three different captains for the three formats. Kusal Mendis has been named the ODI captain, while Wanindu Hasaranga would lead the T20I side.

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Dhananjaya de Silva has played a total of 51 Test matches till date and scored 3301 runs at an average of 39.77. He has 10 hundreds and 13 fifties to his name in the format. The off-spinner has also picked 34 wickets in the format.

Under Karunaratne, Sri Lanka won and lost 12 Test matches each, and six games ended in draws. Sri Lanka became the first Asian side, and just the third ever in history to win a Test series in South Africa under the 35-year-old who has featured in 88 Test matches.

Karunaratne had held the post for 30 Tests, winning 12, losing 12 and drawing six games. Sri Lanka's most notable wins under his leadership came in his first two matches in charge, as they secured a memorable Test series win in South Africa in early 2019, becoming the first Asian side to do so and just the third ever in history.

"Cricket Fans world over, as I finally hand over the reigns of the SL Test Captaincy [sic] after a decent and memorable stint, who better other than to you, Dhananjaya De Silva, an excellent all-round athlete in my books," Karunaratne wrote on Facebook.

"Dhana, I've watched you grow & develop in to a very matured and fantastic Cricketer [sic] over the years.. Smart, Ice cool and a very shrewd Cricket brain. I may add More so [sic] your own style you adapt, and also that very famous smile you always wear every time on & off the field!

"I am very Confident SL Test Cricket is in very safe hands and will be going forward thro your tenure as Skipper [sic]. I'll be there to support you on and off the field rest assured. Cheers & Blessings Bro," he added.

Dimuth Karunratne has expressed his desire to step down as Sri Lanka captain in March last year. However, his resignation was not accepted, and he led the team against Ireland and Pakistan at home.

"I've talked with the selectors about stepping down as captain after the Ireland series. In the next WTC cycle, you've got to do two years," Karunaratne had said.

"I think it's best if a new captain does that whole cycle than for me to do half and hand over. I've talked to the selectors about this, but I haven't got a response yet. My preference is to hand over to a new leader after the next series," he had added.

Dhananjaya de Silva's first assignment as captain would be in August when Sri Lanka will tour England for a three-match Test series.