Sri Lanka have decided to recall Kamindu Mendis to the shortest format and have named him in their squad for the 2026 T20 World Cup. The left-hand batter had last played a T20I in November, 2025 and he certainly hasn't been at his best in the format. He has scored 540 runs in 35 T20Is so far, including just three half-centuries. Despite his dismal record, Mendis has been backed by the selectors for the T20 World Cup.
De Silva gets dropped from the team
On the other hand, the selectors have also made the bold decision of dropping experienced all-rounder Dhananjaya de Silva from the squad. His omission comes due to a poor run of form that has seen him score just 43 runs from three innings in 2026. He picked up just one wicket in the three encounters, failing to deliver in both the batting and bowling departments.
Dasun Shanaka is set to lead the Sri Lankan team in the tournament. The all-rounder has a lot of experience when it comes to the format and has participated in 123 T20Is so far, scoring a total of 1743 runs and picking up 43 wickets. They have also decided to include Eshan Malinga into the team despite injury concerns. The speedster had suffered a shoulder injury during the second T20I of the ongoing three-match series against England.
Sri Lanka's batting and bowling unit
Elsewhere, the Lankan Lions have opted to go for a solid batting unit that includes the likes of Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Charith Asalanka and Kusal Perera. Youngster Pawan Rathnayake, who has impressed with his performances in the format, has also been given a place in the squad. Their bowling attack also looks strong on paper as it includes Matheesha Pathirana, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana and Dushmantha Chameera.
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Sri Lanka have been placed in Group B of the T20 World Cup that includes the likes of Australia, Ireland, Oman and Zimbabwe. They will begin their campaign with the clash against Ireland on February 8 at the R. Premadasa stadium in Colombo.
Sri Lanka's squad for T20 World Cup: 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