Sri Lanka T20 Captain



Sri Lanka T20 Captain (Source:@ImTanujSingh,x.com)Sri Lanka T20 Captain (Source:@ImTanujSingh,x.com)

Sri Lanka's journey in T20 international cricket has been led by a series of captains who have each brought distinct leadership qualities to the fore. From the tactical leadership of Mahela Jayawardene to the current dynamism of Charith Asalanka, each captain has shaped the team's approach to the fast-paced T20 format.

These leaders have not only had to adapt to the evolving strategies of the shortest form of the game but also to the pressures and expectations of a cricket-passionate nation.Through highs and lows, these captains have striven to harness the potential of their teams, pushing for Sri Lanka's success on the global stage.

In this article, we take a look at the captains who have helmed the Sri Lankan T20I side, how they have performed, and what their captaincy stats look like in this exciting format of cricket.

Sri Lanka's T20I Captain​ - Charith Asalanka

Sri Lanka's T20I Captain​ - Charith Asalanka (Source:@graynics,x.com)Sri Lanka's T20I Captain​ - Charith Asalanka (Source:@graynics,x.com)

Charith Asalanka has firmly cemented his place not just as a key player, but as the leader of the team in limited-overs format. The 28-year-old left-hander, known for his aggressive style and clean ball striking, was appointed captain of both the ODI and T20I squads in 2025. 

Asalanka made an early impression on the international stage, particularly during his T20I debut against India. Since then, he has evolved into a dependable middle-order batter and a vital player of Sri Lanka in white-ball cricket. 

In ODIs, Asalanka has amassed an impressive 2544 runs from 76 matches, with career-best score of 127. In the T20I format, Asalanka has scored 1263 runs in 61 matches, with a highest score of 80*. Beyond his batting prowess, he also brings additional value with his off-spin bowling.

 Sri Lanka Captains - T20I List

Player
Tenure
Matches
Win Percentage
Mahela Jayawardene2006-20121965.78
Tillakaratne Dilshan2008-2011540.00
Kumar Sangakkara2009-20122259.09
Thilina Kandamby2011-20111100.00
Angelo Mathews2012-20211637.50
Dinesh Chandimal2013-20182650.00
Lasith Malinga2014-20202432.60
Upul Tharanga2017-2017650.00
Thisara Perera2017-201890.00
Dasun Shanaka2019-20234847.91
Kusal Perera2021-202130.00
Sahan Arachchige2023-202310.00
Wanindu Hasaranga2024-202410
60.00
Charith Asalanka2024-202516
40.62

FAQs: Sri Lanka's T20I Captains

Q.1. Who is the current T20 captain of Sri Lanka?

Answer:  Charith Asalanka is the current T20 captain of Sri Lanka.

Q.2. Who is the most successful captain of Sri Lanka?

Answer: Arjuna Ranatunga is widely regarded as the most successful captain of Sri Lanka, having led the team to its 1996 World Cup victory.

Q.3. Who has the most T20 wins as captain of Sri Lanka?

Answer: Dasun Shanaka holds the record for the most T20 wins as captain of Sri Lanka, with 22 victories.

Q.4. Who was the captain of Sri Lanka in 1996?

Answer: Arjuna Ranatunga was the captain of Sri Lanka in 1996. He led the team to victory in the World Cup.