The Sri Lankan national team announced its 15-member squad ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026with Dasun Shanaka He is set to lead the host nation along with India. The announcement sparked debate, particularly around changes in the middle order Kamindu Mendis earns recall during Dhananjaya de Silva left out of the final selection.
The squad largely mirrors the group selected for the recent home T20I series against England with only a few but significant changes as Sri Lanka fine-tune their combinations for the global tournament.
T20 World Cup 2026: Kamindu Mendis recalled, Dhananjaya de Silva dropped
The most notable change is the inclusion of Kamindu Mendis in the batting department, replacing Dhananjaya de Silva. Kamindu missed out on selection for the T20I series against Pakistan last month and was also overlooked for the ongoing England series, making his return a major talking point.
While Kamindu’s recent numbers have not been great – he has managed just 159 T20I runs since the start of 2025 – his strike rate of 130.32 seems to have worked in his favour. In contrast, Dhananjaya’s lack of form and inability to score quickly in the middle innings cost him a place in the World Cup squad.
Another option is storage Pawan RathnayakeWho wowed the selectors with a sensational century in the final ODI against England. His recent performances have added stability to Sri Lanka’s batting options and the selectors have backed him to carry that confidence to the shorter format.
However, the middle order remains an area of ​​concern. Left-hander Charith Asalanka and skipper Shanaka have struggled for consistency in T20Is. Asalanka averaged just 15.15 with a strike rate of 143, while Shanaka managed to hit an average of 23.83 at a strike rate of 122.36. Their form will be closely watched as Sri Lanka prepare for a high-pressure tournament.
Meanwhile, their bowling attack looks well-balanced and largely settled. The pace department has Dushmantha Chameera, Matheesha Pathirana and Eshan Malinga, offering a mix of experience, pace and variation. However, Malinga’s availability remains uncertain due to injury, which could force a late rethink if he doesn’t recover in time.
The spin department is one of Sri Lanka’s strongest sides heading into the World Cup. Wanindu Hasaranga leads a versatile spin group that includes Maheesh Theekshana, Dunith Wellalage, Asalanka and Kamindu, who provide the team with multiple options depending on the conditions.
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Sri Lanka will face Group B at home
Sri Lanka are in Group B along with Australia, Ireland, Oman and Zimbabwe. Playing at home could prove a huge advantage, but the group faces challenges, especially against a strong Australian side.
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, Eshaneshain.
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