Sri Lanka’s selectors have handed a major boost to the team’s batting strength by recalling Bhanuka Rajapaksa and Dhananjaya de Silva for the upcoming Pakistan tour, a series that doubles as preparation for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 to be staged in Sri Lanka. Both players bring valuable experience and balance at a time when the team has struggled with consistency in recent tournaments.
The tour begins on November 11 and will feature a three-match ODI series and a T20 tri-series involving hosts Pakistan and Afghanistan. Chairman of Selectors Upul Tharanga confirmed that the pair have been included in the 22-man provisional squad, which will later be trimmed to form the final touring party. “Both of them are included. We have a 22-man squad for the World Cup. From there we will select the team. Both Rajapaksa and de Silva are training at the High Performance Centre. They are in good physical condition,” Tharanga said.
Bhanuka Rajapaksa’s return is particularly significant for Sri Lanka’s middle order. Known for his fearless, aggressive batting style, Rajapaksa played a key role in Sri Lanka’s 2022 Asia Cup triumph, where his counter-attacking approach turned matches in the team’s favor. His ability to accelerate in the middle and death overs adds firepower to a batting lineup that has often struggled under pressure.
Dhananjaya de Silva, meanwhile, offers technical stability and versatility. A player equally adept at holding the innings together and rotating strike, his inclusion provides much-needed consistency. Beyond batting, de Silva also brings reliable off-spin bowling, a vital weapon in subcontinental conditions. His T20 statistics, with a batting average of 21.17 and a bowling average of 20.43, highlight his dual value as an all-rounder. With the World Cup set to be played at home, the selectors see de Silva as a critical figure who can exploit familiar conditions both with bat and ball.
Sri Lanka’s struggles in limited-overs cricket have largely stemmed from instability in the batting unit. While the bowling has shown flashes of brilliance, collapses in the middle overs have cost the team dearly in global tournaments. The return of Rajapaksa’s attacking flair and de Silva’s calm, adaptable presence is aimed at addressing this issue ahead of a crucial phase leading up to the 2026 World Cup.
The 22-member preliminary squad also features promising young players such as Eshan Malinga, Vishen Halambage, and Dushan Hemantha, who have been rewarded for strong domestic performances. Their inclusion reflects the selectors’ commitment to blending youth with experience. Alongside them, the core team that represented Sri Lanka in the recent Asia Cup remains intact, ensuring continuity as the team builds towards the global event.
All players will undergo training and fitness assessments at the High Performance Centre before the final squad for the Pakistan tour is announced later this month. The tri-series will provide an important testing ground for combinations, with selectors keen to identify the strongest lineup well ahead of the World Cup.
For Sri Lanka, the challenge now lies in balancing proven match-winners like Rajapaksa and de Silva with the raw potential of emerging talent. The upcoming Pakistan tour will not only measure the team’s progress but also signal whether this mix can deliver the consistency and composure required on the world stage.
