Former Indian all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin has shed light on Sri Lanka’s batting woes against spin ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026. Ashwin reckons Sri Lanka’s best chance of winning the T20 World Cup is to play on turning tracks but they are not reading spin well.

After losing the ODI series against England, Sri Lanka have also lost the T20I series against the visitors. England whitewashed the hosts by 3-0.

Ashwin said Sri Lanka has quality spinners like Maheesh Theekshana and Wanindu Hasaranga and they must make the most of it.

Ashwin said on his YouTube Channel, “Sri Lanka also have the spin arsenal in Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana. Matheesha Pathirana is looking like he is back to his original best. Sri Lanka’s best chance is to play on turning wickets. But their best advantage turns into a nightmare because their middle-order is playing spin very poorly.

“Adil Rashid and Liam Dawson have troubled them to no end. Rashid is bowling magnificently now. Both Pathum Nissanka and Charith Asalanka are vital players and must find a way. Nissanka and Asalanka must bat until the 16th over for Sri Lanka to do well. With Dunith Wellalage in the side, they have the ability to rack up a score of 160-170. What is surprising is Sri Lanka is at par with India when it comes to playing spin.”

Ashwin noted that Sri Lankan batters are not picking Adil Rashid as the leg-spinner has scalped five wickets in three games.

“But they are not picking Adil Rashid’s googly and they are seeing it from the hand. Sri Lanka’s batting is an issue and home conditions will allow their bowling to manage to an extent. How they marshal their batting unit in 20 overs will dictate how far Sri Lanka goes. I don’t rule Sri Lanka out but I think the home advantage and bowling spin could cause upsets and worries for some teams. Sri Lanka will march to the Super 8 no doubt but I don’t know if they will go beyond that.”

Sri Lanka would begin their T20 World Cup campaign against Ireland at the R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo on Sunday.