Kamindu IN, Dhananjaya OUT as Sri Lanka announce T20 World Cup 2026 squad

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Sri Lanka have unveiled their 15-member squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, with Dasun Shanaka set to lead the co-host nation alongside India. The announcement has sparked discussion, particularly around changes in the middle order, as Kamindu Mendis earns a recall while Dhananjaya de Silva has been left out of the final selection.

The squad largely mirrors the group chosen for the recent home T20I series against England, with only a few but significant alterations as Sri Lanka fine-tune their combination for the global tournament.

The most notable change is the inclusion of Kamindu Mendis, who replaces Dhananjaya de Silva in the batting unit. Kamindu had 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 are not overwhelming – he has managed just 159 T20I runs since the start of 2025 – his strike rate of 130.32 appears to have worked in his favour. In contrast, Dhananjaya’s lack of form and inability to provide quick scoring in the middle overs have cost him a place in the World Cup squad.

Another selection highlight is the retention of Pavan Rathnayake, who impressed 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 into the shorter format.

However, the middle order remains an area of concern. Left-handed batter Charith Asalanka and skipper Shanaka have struggled for consistency in T20Is. Asalanka has averaged just 15.15 with a strike rate of 143, while Shanaka has managed an average of 23.83 at a strike rate of 122.36. Their form will be closely monitored as Sri Lanka prepare for the high-pressure tournament.

Meanwhile, their bowling attack appears well-balanced and largely settled. The pace department features Dushmantha Chameera, Matheesha Pathirana and Eshan Malinga, offering a mix of experience, pace and variation. However, Malinga’s availability remains uncertain due to an injury, which could force a late rethink if he fails to recover in time.

The spin department is one of Sri Lanka’s biggest strengths heading into the World Cup. Wanindu Hasaranga leads a versatile spin group that includes Maheesh Theekshana, Dunith Wellalage, Asalanka and Kamindu, providing the team with multiple options depending on conditions.

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Sri Lanka have been placed in Group B, alongside Australia, Ireland, Oman, and Zimbabwe. Playing at home could prove a major advantage, but the group also presents challenges, particularly against a strong Australian side.

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.

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