Former Indian Test opener Aakash Chopra has shed light on Sri Lanka’s weaknesses ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026. Chopra highlighted that Dasun Shanaka team’s recent form is a cause of concern.
Sri Lanka, the co-hosts of the World Cup, recently suffered a 3-0 series loss against England despite playing at home. Furthermore, the Island country suffered a 2-1 ODI series against the visitors.
In the first and third T20I against England, Sri Lanka were bowled for 133 and 116 and thus their batting could be their Achilles Heel.
Aakash Chopra said on his YouTube Channel, “Their recent form. They don’t have form at all. You haven’t played well against any big team. A thing worth watching is that they haven’t beaten any top team apart from New Zealand in the last one to one-and-a-half years. It is a sad story. To be very honest, they were expected to do well in the Asia Cup, but they didn’t. I felt they would play the final, but they couldn’t,” he said.
In December 2025, Dasun Shanaka took over the captaincy baton from Charith Asalanka.
“So Sri Lanka have failed to deliver, and they also made changes because of that. They have gone towards Dasun Shanaka in place of Charith Asalanka, that they would make him the captain because a big tournament is coming. So Sri Lanka are fighting their own battles,” he observed.
The renowned commentator noted that Sri Lanka’s pace attack could be a hit and miss in the upcoming T20I showpiece.
“The pace bowling unit could have a few difficulties, especially if Eshan Malinga isn’t available. Then Matheesha Pathirana, very inconsistent. Dushmantha Chameera, if the conditions help swing, he does very well, or else there is a slight weakness in fast bowling,” he said.
“It’s not the same bowling. Many times in Sri Lanka, when you are playing under lights, you might get slightly seamer-friendly wickets. So that is something they will have to keep in mind. Dasun Shanaka as a captain, I expect a slightly bigger role. He should bat and bowl. He should push himself a little,” Chopra observed.
Sri Lanka would begin their T20 World Cup campaign against Ireland at the R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo, on Sunday.
