Sri Lanka have unveiled their 15-member squad for the ICC Males’s T20 World Cup 2026, with Dasun Shanaka set to steer the co-host nation alongside India. The announcement has sparked dialogue, significantly round adjustments within the center order, as Kamindu Mendis earns a recall whereas Dhananjaya de Silva has been disregarded of the ultimate choice.
The squad largely mirrors the group chosen for the current house T20I sequence in opposition to England, with just a few however vital alterations as Sri Lanka fine-tune their mixture for the worldwide match.
T20 World Cup 2026: Kamindu Mendis recalled, Dhananjaya de Silva dropped
Essentially the most notable change is the inclusion of Kamindu Mendis, who replaces Dhananjaya de Silva within the batting unit. Kamindu had missed out on choice for the T20I sequence in opposition to Pakistan final month and was additionally ignored for the continued England sequence, making his return a serious speaking level.
Whereas Kamindu’s current numbers usually are not overwhelming – he has managed simply 159 T20I runs because the begin of 2025 – his strike price of 130.32 seems to have labored in his favour. In distinction, Dhananjaya’s lack of kind and incapacity to offer fast scoring within the center overs have value him a spot within the World Cup squad.
One other choice spotlight is the retention of Pavan Rathnayake, who impressed selectors with a sensational century within the remaining ODI in opposition to England. His current performances have added stability to Sri Lanka’s batting choices, and the selectors have backed him to hold that confidence into the shorter format.
Nevertheless, the center order stays an space of concern. Left-handed batter Charith Asalanka and skipper Shanaka have struggled for consistency in T20Is. Asalanka has averaged simply 15.15 with a strike price of 143, whereas Shanaka has managed a mean of 23.83 at a strike price of 122.36. Their kind will probably be carefully monitored as Sri Lanka put together for the high-pressure match.
In the meantime, their bowling assault seems well-balanced and largely settled. The tempo division options Dushmantha Chameera, Matheesha Pathirana and Eshan Malinga, providing a mixture of expertise, tempo and variation. Nevertheless, Malinga’s availability stays unsure attributable to an harm, which may drive a late rethink if he fails to get well in time.
The spin division is one among Sri Lanka’s greatest strengths heading into the World Cup. Wanindu Hasaranga leads a flexible spin group that features Maheesh Theekshana, Dunith Wellalage, Asalanka and Kamindu, offering the group with a number of choices relying on circumstances.
Additionally READ: T20 World Cup 2026 – Ricky Ponting’s top picks for leading run-scorer and Player of the Tournament
Group B problem awaits Sri Lanka at house
Sri Lanka have been positioned in Group B, alongside Australia, Eire, Oman, and Zimbabwe. Taking part in at house may show a serious benefit, however the group additionally presents challenges, significantly in opposition to a robust Australian aspect.
Sri Lanka squad for T20 World Cup 2026
Dasun Shanaka (captain), Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera, Charith Asalanka, Kamindu Mendis, Janith Liyanage, Pavan Rathnayake, Dunith Wellalage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Matheesha Pathirana, Eshan Malinga.
Additionally READ: Pakistan’s boycott of India clash in T20 World Cup 2026: List of teams that forfeited ICC event matches
