Sri Lanka has finalized its squad for the upcoming ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, confirming the inclusion of several key IPL players, notably two from Sunrisers Hyderabad: Kamindu Mendis and Eshan Malinga. Mendis, whose entry was described as a surprise, secured his spot following the omission of veteran Dhananjaya de Silva due to recent underwhelming form.
The selection is a significant boost for the young SRH all-rounder, who will now feature in the global event co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka. Mendis joins fellow SRH teammate Eshan Malinga in the final 15-man roster. The pace attack will be spearheaded by Malinga alongside Dushmantha Chameera and Matheesha Pathirana, while Mendis provides a versatile batting and spin option, crucial for the home conditions.
Sri Lanka, led by Dasun Shanaka, will begin their campaign on February 8 against Ireland in Colombo. The confirmation of the squad signals the end of the selection debate, with the team management opting for form and versatility ahead of the marquee tournament.
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“A player like Dhananjaya is useful because of his all-round ability, especially in Sri Lankan conditions. But with his present form, his place in the team is a big question.”
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Conversely, Ishan Kishan enters the tournament in red-hot form, having smashed a century against New Zealand and a blistering 53 off 20 balls in the warm-up game against South Africa.
In another development, Sri Lanka have also been forced into a squad change, with Eshan Malinga ruled out of the tournament due to a shoulder injury sustained during the T20I series against England on February 1.

“A player like Dhananjaya is useful because of his all-round ability, especially in Sri Lankan conditions. But with his present form, his place in the team is a big question.”