With just five days remaining before the ICC T20 World Cup, Sri Lanka has unveiled its 15-member squad, featuring several notable changes from the preliminary lineup. As co-hosts of the tournament, the nation has opted for strategic adjustments to bolster both batting and bowling resources.
The squad sees the return of left-handed batsman Kavindu Mendis, who had been omitted from the Pakistan T20 series last month and was left out ahead of the ongoing England series. Alongside him, Dhananjaya de Silva misses out, while promising young batsman Pavon Rathnayake earns his spot following a strong showing in recent ODIs. Eshan Malinga, who sustained a shoulder injury during the England series, has also been included. Conversely, pacer Promod Madushan has been left out of the final squad.
Kavindu’s inclusion has sparked significant discussion. Since the start of 2025, the 27-year-old has struggled for form, scoring just 159 runs across multiple T20 innings at an average of 19.87 and a strike rate of 130.32. Dhananjaya, primarily selected to strengthen the bowling department, had failed to deliver impactful performances in the England and Pakistan series. Interestingly, Mendis can fulfil a similar bowling role, though he has bowled only six overs in 12 matches since the start of 2025.
The reshuffling has opened the door for 23-year-old left-arm spin all-rounder Dunith Wellalage, who remains relatively inexperienced in T20s, having played only six matches and taken seven wickets. However, his extensive domestic and franchise cricket exposure provides depth to the squad.
Pavon Rathnayake, meanwhile, is another rising talent. He made his T20 debut in Pakistan last November but was dropped after a single match. His century in the third ODI against England, coupled with consistent performances at a strike rate of 100 across 25 T20 innings, has now earned him a place in the World Cup squad.
Sri Lanka’s bowling unit remains relatively settled, featuring pacers Dushmantha Chameera, Matheesha Pathirana, and Eshan Malinga (subject to fitness), while the spin attack is led by Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana, complemented by Wellalage, Asalanka, and Kavindu.
In Group B, co-host Sri Lanka will face Australia, Ireland, Oman, and Zimbabwe, with all four matches played at home venues: 8 February against Ireland at Premadasa Stadium, 12 February versus Oman at Pallekele Stadium, and 16 & 19 February against Australia and Zimbabwe respectively.
Sri Lanka T20 World Cup Squad
| Player | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Dasun Shanaka (Captain) | All-rounder | Experienced leader |
| Pathum Nissanka | Batsman | Opening specialist |
| Kamil Mishara | Batsman | Middle-order |
| Kushal Mendis | Batsman | Left-hand all-rounder |
| Kushal Perera | Wicketkeeper-batsman | Aggressive middle-order batsman |
| Charith Asalanka | Batsman | Left-handed middle-order |
| Kavindu Mendis | Batsman/all-rounder | Returning after omission |
| Zenith Liyanage | All-rounder | Bowling support |
| Pavon Rathnayake | Batsman | Young prospect |
| Dunith Wellalage | Spin all-rounder | Limited T20 experience |
| Wanindu Hasaranga | Spinner/all-rounder | Leading spin attack |
| Maheesh Theekshana | Spinner | Key spin bowler |
| Dushmantha Chameera | Fast bowler | Strike bowler |
| Matheesha Pathirana | Fast bowler | Bowling spearhead |
| Eshan Malinga | Fast bowler | Injury-dependent selection |
Sri Lanka’s squad blends experience with emerging talent, aiming to capitalise on home advantage while addressing previous form concerns. The inclusion of Mendis, Wellalage, and Rathnayake demonstrates a clear strategy to balance batting depth, spin options, and bowling versatility ahead of a challenging World Cup campaign.