KJP and Thushara dropped for England T20s
Kusal Janith Perera
Batter Kusal Janith Perera and seamer Nuwan Thushara have been left out of the 16-man squad selected for Sri Lanka’s three-match T20 series against England later this month, virtually ending their hopes of playing the home World Cup next month.
For Kusal Janith, the writing had been on the wall for some time. Though he was named in the extended 18-man squad for the recently concluded series against Pakistan, the left-hander never made it into the playing eleven. That omission spoke louder than any official explanation. Once a match-winner at the highest level and a batter capable of changing games in a matter of overs, Kusal Janith now finds himself on the outside looking in, with his hopes of forcing his way into the World Cup squad, all but extinguished. In a format where intent, consistency and fitness are non-negotiable, the selectors appear to have decided that sentiment has no place in their calculations.
Nuwan Thushara’s exclusion, meanwhile, has been driven by performance rather than reputation. The seamer featured in the opening match of the Pakistan series but endured a torrid outing, conceding 31 runs from just two overs. More concerning than the figures was the lack of control. His lengths fluctuated, his execution deserted him, and at this level such lapses are rarely forgiven. With several fast bowling options competing for limited slots, inconsistency has proved costly, not only ruling him out of the England series but also denting his chances of making it to the World Cup.
Apart from these two changes, the rest of the squad that faced Pakistan has been retained for the England series, suggesting that the selectors are keen on continuity as they fine tune combinations. Stability, however, does not necessarily guarantee certainty. Leg spinner Dushan Hemantha remains in a precarious position despite his impressive performance against Zimbabwe in September 2025, when he returned figures of 3 for 38. While that spell showcased his potential, it may not be enough to secure a place in the final 15-man World Cup squad, which is expected to be announced on or before January 30. Traveen Mathew has retained his place in the squad despite failing to break into the playing XI against Pakistan.
Nuwan Thushara
Sri Lanka will co-host the ICC T20 World Cup alongside India, a factor that should, in theory, work in their favour. Familiar conditions and home support often bring added confidence, but history urges caution.
Inconsistency has plagued the national side for years, particularly in global tournaments where promising starts have too often faded into disappointment. Despite assurances from the captain that Sri Lanka will strive to reclaim the elusive T20 title that last came in 2014, optimism remains guarded.
The England series, therefore, is more than just another bilateral assignment. It represents a final audition for several players and a crucial test of Sri Lanka’s readiness for the biggest stage. Selection calls such as those involving Kusal Janith Perera and Nuwan Thushara underline a clear message. Reputation alone will not suffice. Only those who deliver, and do so consistently, will earn the right to represent Sri Lanka when the World Cup spotlight finally turns on.
| Sri Lanka 16-man T20 squad | |
 1. Dasun Shanaka (Captain)2. Pathum Nissanka 3. Kamil Mishara 4. Kusal Mendis 5. Dhananjaya de Silva 6. Charith Asalanka 7. Janith Liyanage 8. Kamindu Mendis, 9. Wanindu Hasaranga 10. Dunith Wellalage 11. Maheesh Theekshana 12. Dushan Hemantha 13. Traveen Mathew 14. Dushmantha Chameera 15. Matheesha Pathirana 16. Eshan Malinga |