Sri Lanka has named a new captain as preparations begin for the T20 World Cup 2026. Experienced all-rounder Dasun Shanaka will lead the national side. The decision marks a change in leadership direction ahead of the global event, which Sri Lanka will co-host. Shanaka replaces Charith Asalanka, who had been leading the team in the shortest format.
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While Asalanka remains part of the squad, selectors opted for Shanaka’s experience and proven leadership record. The move signals a focus on stability as Sri Lanka plans for the long road to the tournament. The Sri Lanka Cricket Board confirmed a 25-member preliminary squad. This group will form the core of preparations for the T20 World Cup 2026.
Final selections will be made closer to the tournament, which begins on February 7. Shanaka has previously captained Sri Lanka in white-ball formats. He is known for his calm presence and tactical awareness. His return to the captaincy brings familiarity and balance to a side blending youth with experience.
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The preliminary squad includes several senior batters with extensive international experience. Pathum Nissanka remains a key figure at the top of the order. He has been one of Sri Lanka’s most consistent performers in recent years. Kusal Mendis and Kusal Perera also feature prominently. Both players bring aggression and flexibility to the batting lineup.
Their ability to accelerate during the middle overs is seen as vital for success at the T20 World Cup 2026. Charith Asalanka, despite stepping down as captain, continues to play a major role. His left-handed batting adds variety. His leadership experience will also support Shanaka within the group.
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Other batting options include Niroshan Dickwella, Janith Liyanage, and Kamil Mishara. These players provide depth and competition for places. Selectors appear keen to test combinations early. Sri Lanka’s approach reflects a desire to maintain continuity. Many batters from previous tournaments remain involved. At the same time, competition remains open.
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All-round strength is a major highlight of Sri Lanka’s squad for the T20 World Cup 2026. Wanindu Hasaranga continues to be central to team plans. His leg-spin and explosive batting make him a match-winner. Dhananjaya de Silva adds experience and versatility. He can bat in multiple positions and bowl useful off-spin.
Kamindu Mendis offers a unique skill set, with his ambidextrous bowling and calm batting style. Dunith Wellalage has emerged as a reliable option. He provides control with the ball and depth with the bat. Milan Rathnayake and Pavan Rathnayake offer further balance and energy. Dasun Shanaka himself strengthens the all-round group.
His power hitting at the death and medium-pace bowling remain valuable assets. This depth allows Sri Lanka to adapt to conditions and opposition. Such a balance is critical in T20 cricket. It gives captains flexibility with match-ups. It also helps manage workload across a long tournament.
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Sri Lanka’s bowling unit blends proven performers with emerging talent. Dushmantha Chameera remains the leader of the pace attack. His ability to bowl at high speed is crucial in powerplays and death overs. Matheesha Pathirana adds a different challenge for batters. His slingy action and yorker accuracy make him effective at the end of innings.

Nuwan Thushara and Dilshan Madushanka provide further pace options. Spin remains a traditional strength. Maheesh Theekshana continues to lead the spin group. His variations and control are well-suited to home conditions. Dushan Hemantha and Vijayakanth Viyaskanth add depth in the spin department.
Young players like Eshan Malinga and Traveen Mathew have earned selection. Their inclusion signals long-term planning. These players will have time to develop before the 2026 T20 World Cup. The mix of youth and experience gives selectors options. It also creates healthy competition within the squad.
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Sri Lanka has retained 13 players from the previous T20 World Cup in 2024. This group includes Shanaka, Hasaranga, Asalanka, Kusal Mendis, and Nissanka. Their experience will help guide younger players. Other retained players include Kamindu Mendis, de Silva, Theekshana, Wellalage, Chameera, Thushara, Pathirana, and Madushanka. This continuity suggests confidence in the existing structure.
The preliminary squad allows Sri Lanka to experiment. Combinations will be tested over the next year. Performances in bilateral series will shape the final selection. Sri Lanka’s group stage fixtures for the T20 World Cup 2026 have also been announced. The tournament will be played across Colombo and Pallekele.

Sri Lanka will face Ireland on February 8 in Colombo. They will play Oman on February 12 in Pallekele. A high-profile clash against Australia follows on February 16, also in Pallekele. The final group match is against Zimbabwe on February 19 in Colombo. These fixtures offer a mix of challenges.
Early matches will be key for momentum. Playing at home gives Sri Lanka a familiar advantage. With leadership settled and a strong preliminary squad named, Sri Lanka now begins focused preparation. The next year will be about refining roles and building consistency. The goal is clear. Sri Lanka aims to be a strong contender at the T20 World Cup 2026.
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