- By Himanshu Badola
- Mon, 02 Feb 2026 10:16 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Sri Lanka ICC T20 World Cup 2026 Squad: Sri Lanka have finalised their squad for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, which is scheduled to be played from February 7 to March 8. They have included Kamindu Mendis in the 15-member squad, which was announced on Monday, February 2, amid the ongoing three-match T20I series against England.
Kamindu was left out of the England series, in which Sri Lanka have lost the first two matches. However, he has made a swift return at the expense of Dhananjaya de Silva. Kamindu himself hasn't been in the best form over recent months, scoring just 159 runs in the format since the start of 2025, at an average of 19.87, though his strike rate in that period, of 130.32, has given the team management a fair amount of optimism. On the other hand, Dhananjaya's ability to contribute with the ball had been identified as a reason for his initial inclusion.
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Dhananjaya has managed 10, 22 and 11 in the three T20Is he has played since the turn of the year.
However, Kamindu can fill that role too, even if he has bowled just six overs in 12 matches since the start of 2025. The recent change has also left the door open for left-arm-spin allrounder Dunith Wellalage to stake a claim in the playing XI, but the 23-year-old's inexperience remains a concern. He has been a regular in the ODI line-up but has played just six T20Is since his debut in 2024, and batted in just three of those games while picking up seven wickets.
Seamer Pramod Madushan has also been omitted. The Dasun Shanaka-led side will have Pavan Rathnayake retaining his place following his century in the final ODI against England. With Madushan released, Sri Lanka's pace attack will be led by Matheesha Pathirana, with Eshan Malinga and Dushmantha Chameera providing support.
While the top order featuring Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara and Kusal Mendis is settled, Charith Asalanka and Dasun Shanaka haven't been in the best of form at Nos. 4 and 5. Since the start of 2025, Asalanka and Shanaka have averaged 15.15 and 23.83, respectively, in T20Is, though the latter has struck at 143.00, as opposed to the left-handed batter's underwhelming 122.36.
Sri Lanka squad for T20 World Cup 2026
Dasun Shanaka (capt), 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