Sri Lanka is building a formidable Twenty20 side with a blend of young talent and experienced players, as the island nation gears up for the 2026 ICC T20 World Cup, according to former white-ball captain Dasun Shanaka. Despite setbacks in recent World Cups, Shanaka expressed optimism about Sri Lanka’s future, particularly with the upcoming 2026 edition, which will be co-hosted by Sri Lanka and India.
A Rebuilding Phase
Shanaka, who led Sri Lanka to a memorable victory in the 2022 T20 Asia Cup, emphasized that the team is evolving into a well-rounded unit. Speaking to Reuters, he highlighted the emergence of promising talents like Charith Asalanka, Kamindu Mendis, Kusal Mendis, and Sadeera Samarawickrama. These players, coupled with the experience of senior all-rounders, are shaping Sri Lanka’s renewed push for World Cup glory.
“We’re developing a new side and at the same time we have experience,” Shanaka said. “I’m sure we have a very good chance, especially playing in India and Sri Lanka.”
Reflecting on Leadership and Form
Following Sri Lanka’s early exit from the T20 World Cup this year, Wanindu Hasaranga replaced Shanaka as captain in December 2023. While Hasaranga’s leadership could not take Sri Lanka beyond the group stage, Shanaka remains confident in the team’s rebuilding process. Sri Lanka last won the T20 World Cup in 2014, and since then, they have struggled to reach the semi-finals in successive editions.
Despite being relieved of captaincy, Shanaka continues to be a key player in Sri Lanka’s lineup. Since his T20 debut in 2015, Shanaka has primarily batted lower down the order. However, he expressed a desire to move higher up to play longer innings and potentially score centuries for the national team.
“I miss playing long innings; I want to score centuries but my position sometimes asks me questions,” Shanaka noted. “In the national side, sometimes I bat deep down the order, which doesn’t allow me to bat for a long period.”
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Success in the ZimAfro T10 League
Shanaka’s recent performances in the ZimAfro T10 League were noteworthy, where he captained the Harare Bolts and earned a spot in the league’s team of the season. His success in the tournament, including finishing among the top run-scorers, boosted his confidence as he looks forward to batting higher in Sri Lanka’s order.
“I’m happy that I’m now getting a chance to bat a bit high in the order for Sri Lanka. From the team’s perspective, winning a World Cup is my dream,” he added.
Building Towards 2026
The 33-year-old cricketer is not only focused on Sri Lanka’s T20 side but is also keen to contribute to the Test format. He praised current captain Dhananjaya de Silva and coach Sanath Jayasuriya for their role in revitalizing Sri Lanka’s Test team.
“Before going to England, we had the domestic first-class season. I scored a couple of hundreds but unfortunately, I missed out on that tour,” Shanaka revealed. “I desperately want to play the long format because I am good at that as well.”
With a renewed focus on both formats, Shanaka’s dream is clear: to see Sri Lanka reclaim its place at the top of world cricket, starting with the 2026 T20 World Cup on home soil.
As Sri Lanka continues to rebuild, cricket fans can expect a strong showing in the upcoming World Cup, with a balanced team led by both rising stars and seasoned veterans. Shanaka’s ambitions reflect the hopes of a cricket-loving nation eager to add another World Cup trophy to its cabinet.
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