Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has reportedly made last-minute changes to its squad for the upcoming 2026 T20 World Cup, which begins on February 7. According to a report in The Sunday Times, Dhananjaya de Silva has been sacked and selectors have recalled Kamindu Mendis for the global tournament.

Kusal Pereira returns to the side while Mendis is left out. Perera, who was dropped from the recent series against Pakistan, replaces Mendis, a batting all-rounder known for his part-time spin and strong fielding. The decision raised questions as Pereira has struggled to maintain form in recent games.

Kamindu Mendis named in Sri Lanka’s 2026 T20 World Cup squad

Sri Lanka Cricket is yet to make an official statement regarding the changes. Saturday, January 31 is the final deadline for teams to submit their T20 World Cup squads.

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Dhananjaya de Silva was recalled to the T20 squad to prove his worth in the tournament. In the first T20I against England, he scored 11 out of 12 balls, losing 11 consecutive games and failing to improve his scoring rate at crucial moments.

The same report adds that Kamindu Mendis could be the successor. Although he was dropped earlier in the England series, his flexibility to bat in different roles and adapt to different match situations is considered a strong option in match conditions.

Dhananjaya de Silva’s place in team a big question – Russell Arnold

Russell Arnold expressed concerns about Dhananjaya de Silva in an interview with Newsline. Arnold said Dhananjaya’s all-round skillset made him valuable in Sri Lankan conditions. However, he added that Dhananjaya’s place in the team is questionable given his recent performances.

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

Sri Lanka Cricket is yet to officially confirm the final squad. An announcement is expected later today, ahead of the ICC’s deadline to change the squad.

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 the absence of Kamindu Mendis. Shanaka said the selection call was not made by the captain alone but was re-taken collectively by the team management.

“This is a question you should ask the selectors. As captain, I don’t take the decision alone. We take the decision as a team. To be honest, Kamindu is a very valuable player. The decision was taken by a lot of people,” Shanaka said.

Sri Lanka, led by Dasun Shanaka, will kick off the 2026 T20 World Cup against Ireland on Sunday, February 8 at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. Sri Lanka will also face Oman, Australia and Zimbabwe in the remaining group matches.

Also read: Matheesha Pathirana breaks silence on changes in bowling action after leaving CSK to join KKR