Sri Lanka have made a key change to their T20 World Cup 2026 squad, naming Pramod Madushan as a replacement for the injured Eshan Malinga. Malinga sustained a shoulder injury during the T20I against England on February 1 and was ruled out of the tournament. Madushan, who was initially left out of the 15-member squad, returns as a like-for-like replacement and strengthens Sri Lanka's pace attack alongside Matheesha Pathirana and Dushmantha Chameera. Pramod Madushan’s T20 Experience The 24-year-old medium-fast bowler has represented Sri Lanka in eight T20 internationals, taking 12 wickets at an economy of 8.63. Though he last played a T20I in April 2023, Madushan’s inclusion brings experience and depth to the bowling unit for the high-pressure matches in the T20 World Cup 2026. Tournament Opening and Group Composition Sri Lanka will kick off their campaign against Ireland at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on February 8, with Australia, Oman, and Zimbabwe completing their group. The squad, led by Dasun Shanaka, also includes Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis, Kamindu Mendis, Kusal Janith Perera, Charith Asalanka, Janith Liyanage, Pavan Rathnayake, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, and Maheesh Theekshana. Implications for Team Strategy With Madushan replacing Malinga, Sri Lanka maintains a balanced bowling attack capable of handling varied conditions in India and Sri Lanka. His experience will be critical in executing plans against top-order batsmen and managing death overs, reinforcing Sri Lanka’s hopes of progressing from a competitive group.