Kusal Mendis is set to feature for Gujarat Titans (GT) as a replacement for Jos Buttler in the IPL 2025 playoffs. Mendis will replace Buttler, who will leave for the UK to rejoin England’s national team for their white-ball series against the West Indies, starting May 29, according to an ESPNCricinfo report. This series is at IPL 2025 levels, where GT needs Mendis.
Buttler is likely to play the next three league games for the GT before going away for international responsibilities. Having a very limited option of wicketkeepers in the squad, Mendis is expected to straightaway feature in GT’s playing XI in the absence of Buttler. GT is currently leading the points table of IPL 2025 with 16 points from 11 games and is one step closer to qualification for the playoffs.
Kusal Mendis’s Profile and Experience
Kusal Mendis used to play for Quetta Gladiators in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) and recently performed with his batting escape in the tournament, having scored 143 runs with a strike rate above 168. During his T20 career, the 30-year-old has managed to score more than 4700 runs, comprising two centuries and 32 half centuries. This signing has been his first sojourn in the Indian Premier League and he is likely to be on the same bench with his compatriot Dasun Shanaka, who is also a Gujarat Titans player.
Mendis’s addition will be projected to add something to the GT batting, particularly in the top order. Buttler has been in incredible touch during this campaign, opening the batting at three and scoring 500 runs with an excellent average of 71.43. Mendis will now look to repeat this shape and assist GT towards their title triumph in the IPL 2025.
However, with the new replacement rules, GT will not have the opportunity to keep Mendis up for the next season. Nevertheless, the experience and skills of Mendis will certainly come in handy for the team in the foreseeable future. Mendis’s selection may well be crucial in GT’s attempt to get their playoff qualification hopes back on track.
Get the latest cricket news here, like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter and Instagram for more such updates.
