Sri Lanka has revealed its 15-member team for this ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026with Dasun Shanaka Ready to lead the co-host country with India. This announcement has sparked discussion, especially regarding changes in the middle order. Kamindu Mendis While earning a recall Dhananjay de Silva Has been 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 combination for the global tournament.
T20 World Cup 2026: Kamindu Mendis returns, Dhananjay de Silva out
The most notable change is the inclusion of Kamindu Mendis, who will replace Dhananjay de Silva in the batting unit. Kamindu missed selection for the T20 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 stats haven’t been great – he has managed just 159 T20I runs since the start of 2025 – it seems his strike rate of 130.32 has worked in his favour. In contrast, Dhananjay’s lack of form and inability to score runs quickly in the middle overs cost him a place in the World Cup squad.
Another highlight of the selection is retention. Pawan RathnayakeWho impressed the selectors by scoring a sensational century in the last 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 into the shorter format.
However, the middle order remains a matter of concern. Left-handed batsman Charith Asalanka and captain Shanaka have struggled for consistency in T20Is. Asalanka has an average of 15.15 and a strike rate of 143, while Shanaka has a strike rate of 23.83 and a strike rate of 122.36. As Sri Lanka prepare for a high-pressure tournament, their form will be closely monitored.
Meanwhile, their bowling attack looks very balanced and largely organized. The pace department includes Dushmantha Chameera, Mathisha Pathirana and Ishan Malinga, who offer a blend of experience, pace and variety. However, Malinga’s availability remains uncertain due to injury, which may force a late rethink if he cannot recover in time.
The spin department is one of Sri Lanka’s biggest strengths ahead of the World Cup. Wanindu Hasaranga leads a versatile spin group that includes Mahesh Theekshana, Dunith Velalej, Asalanka and Kamindu, providing the team with multiple options depending on the conditions.
Also read: T20 World Cup 2026 – Ricky Ponting’s top choice for leading run-scorer and player of the tournament
Group B challenge awaits Sri Lanka on home ground
Sri Lanka has been drawn in Group B along with Australia, Ireland, Oman and Zimbabwe. Playing on home soil may prove to be a huge advantage, but the group also presents challenges, especially against a strong Australian team.
Sri Lanka team for T20 World Cup 2026
Dasun Shanaka (captain), Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera, Charith Asalanka, Kamindu Mendis, Zenith Liyanage, Pawan Rathnayake, Dunith Vellaage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Mahish Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Mathisha Pathirana, Ishan Malinga.
Also read: Pakistan boycotts India against T20 World Cup 2026: List of teams that lost ICC event matches
