World Cup Selection Shocker: Kamindu Mendis In, Dhananjaya de Silva Out of Sri Lanka Squad

COLOMBO, SRI LANKA – As the deadline for final rosters approaches, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) is set to officially announce its squad for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup today. However, reports from the Sunday Times have already sent shockwaves through the cricketing community with a major change in the middle order.

The Big Switch

The most significant development is the inclusion of Kamindu Mendis, the versatile ambidextrous all-rounder, who has reportedly been recalled to the national side. In a move that has sparked intense debate, he replaces the experienced Dhananjaya de Silva.

De Silva, who has been a mainstay in the Sri Lankan setup across all formats, appears to have missed out due to the selectors' preference for Mendis’s recent explosive form and his unique ability to bowl both right-arm off-spin and left-arm orthodox spin.

Strategic Gamble?

The decision to drop a seasoned campaigner like Dhananjaya de Silva suggests that the selection committee is prioritizing "impact players" over traditional anchors. Kamindu Mendis has been in stellar form in domestic and franchise cricket, making it difficult for the selectors to ignore his claim for a spot in the world-stage lineup.

The official announcement, expected later this afternoon, will also confirm the captaincy and the final bowling contingent as the "Lions" prepare to head to the global showpiece.