Former captain Charith Asalanka, Matheesha Pathirana, Dunith Wellalage and Dhananjaya de Silva are set to be recalled for the three-match T20 International series against Pakistan next month.
Young off-spinner Traveen Mathews, who has been in form recently, is also expected to be included in the squad.
Asalanka’s return is one of the most closely watched.
He played no part in the recent tri-series in Pakistan, returning midway through the series due to illness along with pacer Asitha Fernando.
The attempt to pull out of the tour ultimately cost Asalanka the captaincy, and sparked speculation that his future in the T20 format is under threat.
Asalanka’s run-rate in 2025 has done little to silence the critics. He has scored just 156 runs in 13 matches, which is a mediocre performance for a player considered to be a staple of Sri Lanka’s middle-order.
However, by recalling him, the new selectors appear to be favouring experience over talent.
They will be banking on Asalanka’s ability to stabilise the innings at the crucial No. 5 slot.
Matheesha Pathirana’s call-up is due to his impact with the ball.
He was one of the biggest buys in the recent Indian Premier League auction, fetching a bid of nearly US$2 million, or approximately Rs. 600 million, underscoring his value in the shortest format.
However, his contribution to Sri Lanka this year has been limited.
He has played only two T20Is and taken one wicket. However, he has been in fine form for Sharjah Warriors in the ILT20, taking five wickets in three matches.
That included three wickets for 19 runs.
Perhaps the most surprising recall is that of Dhananjaya de Silva.
The Sri Lankan Test captain has not played a T20 international in over a year and has not played in an ODI series since the 50-over World Cup in India.
However, as the middle order continues to show instability, the selectors appear willing to reconsider his inclusion.
Dhananjaya has played 45 T20Is, scoring 847 runs at an average of 21.17 with an attack average of 115.86.
While the numbers may not be impressive, the experience and composure he brings may have led to his inclusion.
Off-spinner Traveen Mathews, who took seven wickets in three matches, was a surprise performer in the Asia Cup Rising Stars tournament.
The 21-year-old is set to earn a place in the 18-man squad.
The squad has been selected and sent to the Sports Minister for approval.
Wellalage led Sri Lanka in one tournament he participated in and has shown strong performances with both bat and ball.
It remains to be seen how these players will be included in the final XI.
Leg-spinner Vijayakanth Viyaskanth, batsmen Bhanuka Rajapaksa and Pawan Ratnayake are likely to feature in the tournament.
After the Pakistan series, Sri Lanka will host England for another three-match T20I series before turning their attention to the T20 World Cup, which they are co-hosting with India.
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