Rating the ICC World T20 2016 squads

Although most teams announced their squads for the World T20 a while back, there have been so many changes due to injuries and poor form that it has taken until now for them to finalize their 15-man squad for the World T20 in India.As hosts and holders of an impressive seven-game T20I winning streak, India will be firm favorites to become the first team to lift the World T20 twice. While the likes of South Africa and West Indies, courtesy of having plenty of players with IPL experience, will also be there or thereabouts, it looks the tournament has what it takes to entertain and enthrall us for the next few weeks.With the squads for the ICC World T20 2016 having been finalized, let us rate them on the basis of how good they look, at least on paper.

#8 Sri Lanka - 6/10

Sri Lanka's hopes rest on Malinga

SQUAD FOR WORLD T20 2016

Angelo Mathews (C), Lasith Malinga,  Dinesh Chandimal (WK), Tillakaratne Dilshan, Suranga Lakmal, Shehan Jayasuriya, Milinda Siriwardana, Dasun Shanaka, Chamara Kapugedera, Nuwan Kulasekara, Dushmantha Chameera, Thisara Perera, Sachithra Senanayake, Rangana Herath, Lahiru Thirimanne

Team Intro: Sri Lanka might have beaten India at Pune in their first T20I, but that has been aberration in 2016 as they have suffered humiliating losses in New Zealand and in the Asia Cup. Their team doesn’t look settled, apart from Dinesh Chandimal, no batsman seems to be in form and their biggest weapon, Lasith Malinga has not only stepped down from captaincy but is also doubtful for the World T20. 

STRENGTHS

Lasith Malinga: If fit, there can be no doubts that Malinga is the best T20 bowler in the world. Given he is just one shy  of 300 T20 wickets and is closing in on 100 T20I wickets, Sri Lankan supporters will be hoping he shrugs off any injury and is back to his toe-crushing best.

Plenty of spin options: With the World T20 taking place in India, every team needs a good spinner and Sri Lanka not only have good spinners but also has all kinds of spinners. Off-spinner, leg-spinner, mystery spinner, left-arm spinner, right-arm spinner, you name it, they have it.

WEAKNESSES

No clear roles for the batsmen: Throughout the series against India and in the Asia Cup, Sri Lanka seemed unsure of where to batsman certain players and what their roles were going to be. Their best batsman, Angelo Mathews bats too deep and the openers aren't in form while the rest of the batting order is inexperienced barring Mathews, Dilshan and Chandimal.

Over-reliant on Malinga: When you have one of the best T20 bowlers in the world it is hard not to rely on him but such is the makeup of Sri Lanka's squad that a fit and firing Malinga is almost imperative if they are to do well, against any side.

FINAL VERDICT

With a docile batting line-up and a bowling attack that is not going to put fear into the minds of the opponents, Sri Lanka's chances of going far in the competition look slim.