Kamindu Mendis makes World Cup squad; Dhananjaya de Silva left out

Sri Lanka have included Kamindu Mendis in their 15-member squad for the T20 World Cup 2026, announced on Monday (February 2). The 27-year-old, who was recently left out of the squad for the England series, makes a swift return at the expense of Dhananjaya de Silva. Seamer Pramod Madushan has also been omitted.

The remainder of the Dasun Shanaka-led squad closely resembles the group picked to face England, with Pavan Rathnayake retaining his place following his century in the final ODI against England. Kamindu's recall is the lone major talking point, particularly given his modest recent returns in the format. He managed just 20 runs across three innings for MI Emirates in the ILT20, though he did score a hundred in his most recent first-class outing. Overall, Mendis has scored 540 runs from 35 T20Is for Sri Lanka at a strike rate of 124.71, alongside three wickets.

Dhananjaya de Silva misses out after a lean run of scores, having managed 10, 22 and 11 in the three T20Is he has played since the turn of the year. With Madushan released, Sri Lanka's pace attack will be led by Matheesha Pathirana, with Eshan Malinga and Dushmantha Chameera providing support.

The 2014 champions begin their campaign against Ireland at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on February 8. Australia, Ireland, Oman and Zimbabwe make up the rest of the group.

Sri Lanka squad: 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, Eshan Malinga