Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has reportedly made last-minute changes to the squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026, which is set to begin on February 7. According to a report by the Sunday Times, Dhananjaya de Silva has been dropped, and the selectors have recalled Kamindu Mendis for the global tournament.
Kusal Perera returned to the side while Mendis was left out. Perera, who was dropped for the recent series against Pakistan, replaced Mendis, a batting all-rounder known for his part-time spin and strong fielding. The decision has raised questions, as Perera has struggled for form in recent outings.
Kamindu Mendis Named in Sri Lanka Squad for T20 World Cup 2026
Sri Lanka Cricket has not yet made an official announcement on the changes. Saturday, January 31 is the final deadline for teams to submit their squads for the T20 World Cup.
Dhananjaya de Silva was recalled to the T20 side to prove his worth in the format. In the first T20I against England, he scored 11 off 12 balls in an 11-run loss, failing to lift the scoring rate at a key moment.
The same report added that Kamindu Mendis is the likely replacement. Although he was dropped earlier in the England series, his flexibility to bat in different roles and adjust to different match situations is seen as a strong option for tournament conditions.
Dhananjaya de Silva’s Place in the Team Is a Big Question – Russell Arnold
Speaking to Newswire, Russell Arnold raised concerns about Dhananjaya de Silva. Arnold said that Dhananjaya’s all-round skills make him valuable in Sri Lankan conditions. However, he added that given his recent performances, Dhananjaya’s place in the team is in doubt.
“A player like Dhananjaya is useful because of his all-round ability, especially in Sri Lankan conditions,” Arnold said. “But with his present form, his place in the team is a big question.”
Sri Lanka Cricket has not yet officially confirmed its final squad. An announcement is expected later today, before the ICC’s deadline for squad changes.
You Should Ask the Selectors – Dasun Shanaka on Kamindu Mendis Snub
Ahead of the T20I series against England, captain Dasun Shanaka shared his thoughts on Kamindu Mendis’ exclusion. Shanaka stated that selection calls were not made by the captain alone and were retaken collectively by the team management.
“That’s a question you should ask the selectors. As a captain, I don’t take decisions alone. We take decisions as a group. Kamindu, to be honest, is a very valuable player. That decision is something many people took together,” Shanaka had said.
Sri Lanka, led by Dasun Shanaka, will open their T20 World Cup 2026 campaign against Ireland on Sunday, February 8 at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. Sri Lanka will also face Oman, Australia, and Zimbabwe in their remaining group-stage matches.
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