Sri Lanka Makes Surprising Squad Decision Ahead of T20 World Cup
Sri Lanka's cricket selectors have made a significant change to their T20 World Cup preparations by dropping Test captain Dhananjaya de Silva from the 15-man squad announced on Monday. The team will be led by Dasun Shanaka as they prepare to co-host the tournament with India, starting this Saturday.
De Silva's Recent Struggles Lead to Omission
Dhananjaya de Silva had recently been recalled to the T20 international side after an 18-month absence, featuring in a three-match series against Pakistan early last month. However, his return has been marked by underwhelming performances:
- He has managed only 43 runs in three innings since his recall
- His off-spin bowling has yielded just one wicket
- In the ongoing series against England at Pallekele, he struggled to 11 runs off 12 balls before being dismissed by Adil Rashid
These disappointing numbers ultimately led to his exclusion from the second T20 against England, with the final match scheduled for Tuesday.
Injury Concerns and Squad Composition
Despite concerns about his fitness, seam bowler Eshan Malinga has been included in the squad. Malinga suffered a shoulder injury during Sunday's match against England, but selectors have shown faith in his recovery ahead of the global tournament.
The complete Sri Lanka T20 World Cup squad includes:
- Dasun Shanaka (captain)
- Pathum Nissanka
- Kamil Mishara
- Kusal Mendis
- Kamindu Mendis
- Kusal Perera
- Charith Asalanka
- Janith Liyanage
- Pavan Rathnayake
- Wanindu Hasaranga
- Dunith Wellalage
- Maheesh Theekshana
- Dushmantha Chameera
- Matheesha Pathirana
- Eshan Malinga
T20 World Cup Schedule and Group Stage
Sri Lanka will begin their T20 World Cup campaign against Ireland in Colombo on Sunday. The team has been placed in Group B alongside:
- Australia
- Oman
- Zimbabwe
The top two teams from the group will advance to the Super 8 stage of the tournament. As co-hosts with India, Sri Lanka will be looking to make a strong impression on home soil, though they will need to overcome the absence of their Test captain to achieve success.
The decision to drop Dhananjaya de Silva represents a bold move by Sri Lankan selectors, prioritizing current form over leadership experience as they prepare for one of cricket's most prestigious tournaments. With the T20 World Cup beginning this weekend, all eyes will be on how the reshuffled squad performs under Dasun Shanaka's captaincy.
