Shanaka Backs Kusal Perera’s Experience Amid Sri Lanka Selection Debate

Sri Lanka’s selection choices have come under scrutiny ahead of their T20I series against England, with the T20 World Cup less than two weeks away. Several calls made by the newly formed selection committee, led by Pramodya Wickramasinghe, have sparked debate, particularly the recall of Kusal Perera and the omission of Kamindu Mendis.

Perera, who was left out of the recent Pakistan series, has returned to the squad at the expense of Kamindu, a batting allrounder known for his ambidextrous spin bowling and exceptional fielding. Neither player has enjoyed standout recent form in T20 cricket, but the decision to replace Kamindu with the 35-year-old Perera has raised eyebrows.

Sri Lanka captain Dasun Shanaka, however, defended the move, emphasising Perera’s experience in major tournaments.

“He has been in the T20 side in the recent past, even though he was left out of the squad to face Pakistan,” Shanaka said on the eve of the first T20I against England. “We know that experienced players are very valuable in a World Cup. If you take strike rates, Kusal Janith can be used anywhere in the top six, so he will be a very valuable player.”

Shanaka was more guarded when addressing Kamindu’s omission, underlining that selection decisions are taken collectively.

“That’s a question you should ask the selectors. As a captain, I don’t take decisions alone. We take decisions as a group,” he said. “Kamindu, to be honest, is a very valuable player. That decision is something many people took together.”

Another notable exclusion is Nuwan Thushara. The slinger had been a regular in Sri Lanka’s T20I setup over the past year and played a key role in both the powerplay and death overs. However, a dip in form has cost him his place, with Pramod Madushan named as back-up to the injury-prone Dushmantha Chameera.

“In terms of importance, we know Dushmantha Chameera will play,” Shanaka said. “That said, with the World Cup close by, his workload needs to be managed. He’s not someone we need to play and see what he’s doing right and wrong. But we need a backup for him, and that’s why Pramod has come into the squad.”

Madushan last featured in a T20I in April 2023 but was recalled to the white-ball sides in November for the ODI series against Pakistan. He picked up three wickets in the first ODI against England—his only wickets in four matches since returning—which appears to have strengthened his case for selection.

Dunith Wellalage has also been included despite limited T20I exposure, having played just six matches since his debut in October 2024. His selection follows a productive ODI series against England, where he contributed three 20-plus cameos down the order. While his inclusion is understandable, it has also been viewed as influenced by recent performances.

Despite the debates surrounding selection, Sri Lanka are being tipped as strong contenders for the T20 World Cup, which they will co-host. Former England captain Nasser Hussain recently backed Sri Lanka to make a deep run in the tournament, praise that Shanaka welcomed.

“I am very honestly happy to hear such comments, especially from someone like Nasser Hussain,” Shanaka said. “Someone like that saying something like that is a big boost. We know that our team has a good chance.

“But more important than that is the process, and focusing on the first few games—it’s very important to gain that momentum. Similarly, with this England series. So I’m looking forward to all the players performing to the best of their abilities.”