Kamindu Replaces Dhananjaya as Sri Lanka Announces T20 World Cup Squad

Sri Lanka have finally announced their squad for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2026 that is starting this Saturday. They have recalled Kamindu Mendis to the squad, replacing Dhananjaya de Silva who didn’t perform well in the last few matches. Meanwhile, Pavan Rathnayake has also been added to the squad after Eshan Malinga was reported to have dislocated his shoulder.

The inclusion of Kamindu Mendis surprised many people, as he was not part of the Sri Lankan team recently. Dhananjaya de Silva was preferred over him as an allrounder, however, his performances in the last few matches did not live up to expectations.

Meanwhile, the selection of Pavan Rathnayake is also noteworthy, as he was not in the team’s World Cup plans earlier. The young batter impressed everyone in the recent ODI series against England, which prompted selectors to give him a call for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026.

Speaking about the captaincy, Sri Lanka have shown faith in the leadership skills of Dasun Shanaka for the upcoming event. He will be supported by an experienced batting core that includes Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera and Charith Asalanka.

The bowling unit of Sri Lanka is bolstered by the quality pacers, including Dushmantha Chameera and Matheesha Pathirana, while the spin attack includes Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage and Maheesh Theekshana.

Sri Lanka will begin their T20 World Cup campaign against Ireland on February 8. Afterwards, they will travel to Pallekele to face Oman and Australia, with the matches scheduled for February 12 and 16. The home side will then head back to Colombo to play their last group-stage fixture against Zimbabwe on February 19.

Sri Lanka Squad for ICC T20 World Cup 2026

Dasun Shanaka (c), Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis, Kamindu Mendis, Kusal Janith Perera, Charith Asalanka, Janith Liyanage, Pavan Rathnayake, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Matheesha Pathirana and Eshan Malinga.