(Poornama Edirisooriya writes)
Selecting a T20 World Cup squad in 2026 should not be about past medals or nostalgic names. It should be about roles, match-ups, and adaptability. Sri Lanka’s white-ball game is somewhat disappointing as they getting ready for a home world cup.
If I were on the selection panel, this would be my 15-man squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026
My 15-Man Squad
Combination (15)
Batters-6
Spin-2
Pace-3
All round
Spin-2
Pace-2
Batters (6)
- Pathum Nissanka
- Kamil Mishara (wk)
- Kusal Mendis (wk)
- Kusal Janith Perera
- Charith Asalanka
- Kamindu Mendis
All round
Pace(2)
- Dasun Shanaka (c)
- Janith Liyanage
Spin(2)
- Wanindu Hasaranga
- Dunith Wellalage
Spin (2)
- Maheesh Theekshana
- Dushan Hemantha / Vijayakanth Viyaskanth
Pace(3)
- Duahmantha Chameera
- Nuwan Thushara
- Matheesha Pathirana/ Eshan Malinga
Batting: A Blend of Stability and Intent
At the top, Pathum Nissanka is my non-negotiable pick. His ability to bat deep while maintaining a healthy strike rate makes him ideal for tournament cricket, where one anchor per innings is still essential. I am pretty sure that Sri Lanka's world cup campaign is hugely depends on how well Pathum Nissanka bats.
Kusal Mendis used to be his partner for a long time but dip in form brought Kamil Mishara into that position, dropping Kusal Mendis in to no 3. We can expect Sri Lanka will go with same top 3 in WT20I. Both can keep the wickets brings more options.
Kusal Perera remains a high-risk, high-reward selection. His consistency is a huge problem but we don't have enough time to pick a new player for that role. Most probably Kusal's last world cup and he needs to give the team his maximum value that we didn't get in last couple of series.
Charith Asalanka, for me, was the captain to be in this WT20I. SLC groomed him as a captain and all of a sudden in Pakistan tour his captaincy wasn't enough. Even though he had a good year in ODIs he is going through a lean run in T20Is. Asalanka, he wounded lion must be eager to show his value when he gets thr chance.
We could see SL play 7-4 combination more often under Sanath Jayasuriya. That will pushed us to a 4 overs from part timers. So, in home decks Kamindu Mendis would be handy as well as we could see he is comfortable at lower middle order in T20Is. In my opinion he is not a power hitter but a smart hitter, that suits the Sri Lankan brand of T20I cricket.
All-round Depth: The Hasaranga Core
Every version of my Sri Lanka T20 XI revolves around Wanindu Hasaranga. Even when his batting output dips, his wicket-taking ability through the middle overs remains invaluable. He gives Sri Lanka control in a format designed to take it away.
Dasun Shanaka, the captain has one of the most important role in the xi.His finishing ability, seam bowling, and leadership experience add depth.
Janith Liyanage and Dunith Wellalage is my other all rohnd options. Wellalage has shown quality bowling against big teams in tournaments. With spin friendly pitches he must be very handy as well as he brings the verity with his left arm orthodox bowling. And Janith Liyanage is the one Sri Lanka tried as a fast bowling all rounder prior to the World cup so we have no options with that role.
Fast Bowling: Pace as the Primary Weapon
My bowling attack leans heavily on pace because that is where Sri Lanka’s biggest growth has come.
First name in this category will be Dushmantha Chameera. He gained lots of consistency over the ladt couple of series and proved the first choice fast bowling option in the World Cup.
I’ve backed Nuwan Thushara for his control with the new ball. If he's playing in the xi Shanaka must give him 3 overs with the new ball because Thushara's economy at the deatg is high.
I'd go with 3 fast bowlers. So, only one off Matheesha Pathirana and Eshan Malinga has the opportunity to be in World Cup. Pathirana's dip in form is a concern but the decision depends on how well both of them going in practice sessions.
Spin Bowling: Spin is about efficiency, not volume. Maheesh Theekshana’s powerplay control complements Hasaranga perfectly and allows Sri Lanka to dictate phases rather than react. Theekshana lately has become just a slow bowler and wickets seemed very hard to come. So he needs be back his variations rather than just runs and bowls.
Second option would be one from Dushan Hemantha and Vijayakanth Viyaskanth. Hemantha, more similar to Hasaranga who is injury prone has a good chance for the WC. On the other hand Viyas has more pace bjt last outing doesn't supoort his inclusion.
This squad reflects how Sri Lanka used the players in last year or so. From the selection of 25-man preliminary squad, it had problems but in my opinion this is the best we can go for the World Cup.
Bonus in the article :
I have nominating three combinations that Sri Lanka can go according to the oppositions and the pitch.
Nissanka | Nissanka | Nissanka |
Kamil | Kamil | Kamil |
K.Mendis | K.Mendis | K.Mendis |
KJP | KJP/Asalanka | KJP/Asalanka |
Asalanka | Shanaka | Shanaka |
Shanaka | Kamindu | Kamindu |
Kamindu | Wanindu | Wellalage |
Wanindu | Maheesh | Maheesh |
Maheesh | Chameera | Chameera |
Chameera | Thushara | Thushara |
Thushara or Eshan/Matheesha | Eshan/Matheesha | Eshan/Matheesha |
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