Sri Lanka have made a bold call ahead of the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup by recalling Kaminda Mendis from their 15-man squad and dropping Dhananjay de Silva, who only recently returned to the T20 line-up. Mendis did not enjoy his best run in the format, scoring 540 runs from 35 T20Is at a strike rate of 124.71, but the selectors backed his experience and ability to anchor the middle order for the marquee event.
Dhananjay’s omission, meanwhile, follows modest returns in recent T20 internationals. He managed just 43 runs in three innings this year and picked up just one wicket, prompting the selectors to look for more consistent options going into the World Cup.
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Sri Lanka will be led by Dasun Shanaka, whose leadership and all-round ability remain vital to the balance of the team. The batting unit looks solid on paper, featuring Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Charith Asalanka and the experienced Kusal Janith Perera.
Young left-hander Pavan Rathnayake also earned a place in the squad after an impressive run, highlighted by a brilliant 121 in the second ODI against England at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo and a blistering 40 off 22 balls in the second T20I against the same opposition.
WHO DIDN’T GO TO SRI LANKA?
With Bal, Sri Lanka boast quality spell options in Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh theekshana, supported by Pace speak dushmantha charme and mathesha patihirana. Pramod Madudhan, Nuwan Thushara and Bnura fernando lost the Selection.
Sri Lanka, drawn in Group B alongside Ireland, Oman, Australia and Zimbabwe, will play their matches across Colombo and Pallekele. As co-hosts, they will be hoping to capitalize on the home support and relive past glories – finishing runners-up in 2009 and 2012 and winning the title in 2014 with a memorable victory over India.
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 Malhirana
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Issued by:
sabyasachi chowdhury
Published on:
February 2, 2026
