Sri Lanka has announced its 15-member squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, with Dasun Shanaka set to captain the team as co-hosts with India. This announcement has drawn attention, especially regarding changes in the middle order. Kamindu Mendis makes his comeback while Dhananjaya de Silva has been excluded from the final selection.
The squad closely resembles the team selected for the recent home T20I series against England, with only a few significant changes as Sri Lanka prepares for the global event.
T20 World Cup 2026: Kamindu Mendis recalled, Dhananjaya de Silva dropped
The key change in the squad is the inclusion of Kamindu Mendis, who will replace Dhananjaya de Silva in the batting lineup. Kamindu was not selected for the T20I series against Pakistan last month and was also overlooked for the current England series, making his return noteworthy.
Although Kamindu’s recent statistics are modest—with 159 T20I runs since the start of 2025—his strike rate of 130.32 has likely benefited him. In contrast, Dhananjaya’s poor form and failure to score quickly in the middle overs led to his omission from the squad.
Another highlight is the retention of Pavan Rathnayake, who caught the selectors’ attention with a remarkable century in the last ODI against England. His recent performances have strengthened Sri Lanka’s batting options, and selectors are confident he can maintain this momentum in the shorter format.
However, the middle order is still a concern. Left-handed batter Charith Asalanka and captain Shanaka have struggled with consistency in T20Is. Asalanka has averaged just 15.15 and a strike rate of 143, while Shanaka’s average stands at 23.83 and a strike rate of 122.36. Their performance will be important as Sri Lanka readies for the pressure of the tournament.
On the bowling front, the squad appears well-balanced and settled. The pace attack includes Dushmantha Chameera, Matheesha Pathirana, and Eshan Malinga, providing a blend of experience, speed, and variety. However, Malinga’s participation is uncertain due to injury, which may necessitate a last-minute change if he does not recover in time.
Sri Lanka’s spin department is among its key strengths heading into the World Cup. Wanindu Hasaranga leads a versatile spin group that features Maheesh Theekshana, Dunith Wellalage, Asalanka, and Kamindu, offering multiple options based on the playing conditions.
Group B challenge awaits Sri Lanka at home
Sri Lanka has been placed in Group B, along with Australia, Ireland, Oman, and Zimbabwe. Competing at home may provide an advantage, but the group also poses challenges, especially from a strong Australian team.
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.
