R Ashwin's Candid Assessment: Sri Lanka's Semifinal Hopes and Afghanistan's Tournament Prospects
Indian spin maestro Ravichandran Ashwin has shared his insightful predictions for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026, casting doubt on Sri Lanka's ability to reach the semifinals while offering a nuanced perspective on Afghanistan's chances in the tournament.
Sri Lanka's Uphill Battle for Semifinal Berth
Since their triumphant T20 World Cup victory in 2014, Sri Lanka's performances in ICC T20 events have been consistently underwhelming. The co-hosts, alongside India, enter the tournament with just one win in their last five T20 Internationals, including a recent series loss to Sri Lanka. The team has recently undergone a leadership change, with captaincy returning to Dasun Shanaka from Charith Asalanka.
"It is difficult for them to get into the top four. I don't think they will get into the top four. If they do, I will be really surprised," Ashwin stated emphatically on his YouTube channel. "I won't rule them out completely. If they get a must-win game against a Western side, they can prepare a turning wicket and take a chance," he added, suggesting a potential strategic approach for the Sri Lankan team.
Afghanistan's Emerging Challenge in Indian Conditions
Ashwin also provided his analysis of Afghanistan, who remarkably reached the semifinals in the 2024 T20 World Cup. Afghanistan begins their campaign against New Zealand in Chennai, a venue that might seem favorable given their spin-heavy attack.
"People may say Afghanistan have a huge chance because they are playing in India, and playing against New Zealand at Chepauk," Ashwin noted. "But Chepauk's pitch is not like before. Their batting is a big problem. Can they make big scores? They might have a chance in day games, but I still think they are not going to qualify. They are a good, emerging side, but not a top-four side," the veteran spinner elaborated, highlighting concerns about Afghanistan's batting capabilities despite their spin prowess.
Squad Compositions for the 2026 Tournament
The announced squads reveal the teams' strategic compositions:
Sri Lanka Squad for T20 World Cup 2026:
- Dasun Shanaka (Captain)
- 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
Afghanistan Squad for T20 World Cup 2026:
- Rashid Khan (Captain)
- Ibrahim Zadran (Vice-Captain)
- Rahmanullah Gurbaz (Wicketkeeper)
- Mohammad Ishaq (Wicketkeeper)
- Sediqullah Atal
- Darwish Rasooli
- Shahidullah Kamal
- Azmatullah Omarzai
- Gulbadin Naib
- Mohammad Nabi
- Noor Ahmad
- Mujeeb Ur Rahman
- Naveen Ul Haq
- Fazal Haq Farooqi
- Abdullah Ahmadzai
Ashwin's predictions come at a crucial time as teams finalize their preparations for the global tournament. His analysis underscores the challenges both Sri Lanka and Afghanistan face in their quest for T20 World Cup glory, with particular emphasis on Sri Lanka's recent form struggles and Afghanistan's batting limitations despite their spin advantage in subcontinental conditions.
