The Asia Cup 2025 is just around the corner, and cricket fans are excited to see the top Asian teams battle for glory. One side that always grabs attention in this tournament is Sri Lanka.
With a deep history in the tournament, Sri Lanka has won the title five times and has produced some of the greatest cricketers in the world. Now, as the new edition approaches, all eyes are on the Sri Lanka squad.
Who will make it to the final players list? Who will lead the side as the skipper? Can they reclaim its dominance in the tournament?
In this article, we take a deep dive into the Asia Cup 2025 Sri Lanka squad, looking at the players list, captain, strengths, weaknesses, and chances of winning. Let’s get started!
Sri Lanka Squad for Asia Cup 2025
They have always been a competitive force in the Asia Cup. Their team for the Asia Cup 2025 is expected to include a mix of powerful batsmen, versatile all-rounders, and skillful bowlers.
The selection committee has focused on choosing players based on their performance in T20 matches, particularly in domestic and international circuits.
Here is the Asia Cup 2025 Sri Lanka players list:
| Player Name | Role |
| Charith Asalanka (c) | Batter |
| Pathum Nissanka | Batter |
| Kusal Mendis | Wicketkeeper |
| Kusal Perera | Wicketkeeper |
| Nuwanidu Fernando | Batter |
| Kamindu Mendis | All-rounder |
| Kamil Mishara | Wicketkeeper |
| Dasun Shanaka | All-rounder |
| Wanindu Hasaranga | All-rounder |
| Dunith Wellalage | All-rounder |
| Chamika Karunaratne | All-rounder |
| Maheesh Theekshana | Bowler |
| Dushmantha Chameera | Bowler |
| Binura Fernando | Bowler |
| Nuwan Thushara | Bowler |
| Matheesha Pathirana | Bowler |
Players like Avishka Fernando, Dinesh Chandimal, Jeffrey Vandersay, and Eshan Malinga were dropped from the squad that lost to Bangladesh, while Nuwanidu Fernando, Dushmantha Chameera, and Chamika Karunaratne have made a comeback.
This list of players is based on current form and experience, and they are being backed by the Sri Lanka Cricket Board (SLC) to bring the title home.
Asia Cup 2025 Sri Lanka Captain
The skipper for SL will play a crucial role in guiding the side through the tournament. In recent years, SL has seen multiple leadership changes due to injuries and strategic decisions.
In July 2024, Charith Asalanka was named Sri Lanka’s T20I skipper after Wanindu Hasaranga stepped down following the T20 World Cup. Given his leadership experience and consistent performances, Asalanka is set to lead Sri Lanka in the Asia Cup 2025.
However, if Asalanka is unavailable, the selectors are likely to turn to former skipper Dasun Shanaka, who brings both experience and aggression to the side.
Wanindu Hasaranga also remains an influential figure in leadership discussions, which makes him another strong option depending on the team’s strategy and form.
Key Players to Watch in Asia Cup 2025
The Asia Cup 2025 Sri Lanka side will feature several key players who could make a difference in the tournament. Let’s take a look at the top performers to watch out for:
1. Pathum Nissanka – Opening Batsman
Nissanka is one of the most promising young batters currently, and has been consistent in limited-overs cricket since he started playing. His ability to build an innings will be crucial in the tournament.
2. Wanindu Hasaranga – All-Rounder
A match-winner with both bat and ball, Hasaranga is a key part of the squad. His leg-spin and power-hitting make him a dangerous player in T20 cricket.
3. Kusal Mendis – Wicketkeeper-Batsman
Mendis provides stability in the middle order and is an experienced wicketkeeper. His ability to accelerate in the middle overs will be crucial in tournament matches.
4. Dushmantha Chameera – Fast Bowler
With raw pace and accuracy, Chameera will be the leading fast bowler for his side in the tournament. His ability to bowl in the death overs will be vital for their success.
5. Maheesh Theekshana – Mystery Spinner
Spin has always been their strength, and Theekshana’s mystery spin could trouble opposition batsmen, especially in Asian conditions.
Possible Playing XI for Sri Lanka in 2025 Asia Cup
Looking at the current form of the players, we might see this lineup one field:
- Pathum Nissanka
- Kusal Perera (wk)
- Kusal Mendis
- Charith Asalanka (c)
- Dasun Shanaka
- Kamindu Mendis
- Wanindu Hasaranga
- Chamika Karunaratne
- Maheesh Theekshana
- Dushmantha Chameera
- Matheesha Pathirana
Note: This playing XI can change depending on the day, weather, or injuries.
Sri Lanka’s Strengths and Weaknesses in Asia Cup 2025
Strengths
1. Strong Spin Attack – With players like Hasaranga and Theekshana, SL has one of the best T20 spin attacks. Their ability to control the middle overs and pick crucial wickets makes them a formidable force.
2. Experienced Middle Order – Batters like Asalanka, Mendis, Parera, and Nissanka bring stability to the batting lineup. Their experience in handling pressure situations can be crucial in crunch matches.
3. All-Round Depth – They have quality all-rounders, like Dasun Shanaka, who can contribute in both batting and bowling. This balance gives them the flexibility to adapt to different match situations.
Weaknesses
1. Inconsistent Batting – The team has struggled with batting collapses in T20s. If the top order fails, the middle and lower orders often find it difficult to recover.
2. Fast Bowling Concerns – Injuries to key pacers could be a challenge. Lack of depth in the pace attack might make it hard to defend or chase big totals against strong batting sides.
3. Over-Reliance on a Few Players – Players like Hasaranga and Shanaka need strong support from the rest of the squad. If these key players fail, they often struggle to put up a competitive performance.
Overall, the Asia Cup 2025 Sri Lanka squad is a very competitive team with a mix of talented batsmen, world-class spinners, and aggressive all-rounders. With Charith Asalanka as a leader, they will aim to put up a strong fight in the tournament.
With the right combination of batting, bowling, and leadership, SL could emerge as a strong contender for the Asia Cup title.
Let’s see if they can recreate their past glory and bring home another trophy in their cabinet.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Who is the captain of the Sri Lanka squad for Asia Cup 2025?
A. Currently, Charith Asalanka is the leader of the team.
Q2. Which players are likely to be in their team for Asia Cup 2025?
A. Star players like Pathum Nissanka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Matheesha Pathirana, and Charith Asalanka might be included in the XI.
Q3. How has Sri Lanka performed in past Asia Cups?
A. They have a strong Asia Cup history, winning the tournament five times. They were the champions in 2022 and have always been one of the most competitive teams in the tournament.
