Sri Lanka’s wicketkeeper-batter Kusal Mendis is set to join the Gujarat Titans (GT) squad for the IPL 2025 playoffs, stepping in for Jos Buttler. Buttler will miss the playoffs as he has been selected to play for England in their ODI series against the West Indies, starting May 29 — the same day the IPL playoffs begin.
Kusal Mendis Shifts from PSL to IPL Amid Safety Concerns
Mendis recently played for Quetta Gladiators in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) but decided not to return to Pakistan for the remaining matches due to safety worries. He last played on May 7 and is now making his IPL debut with Gujarat Titans, according to ESPNcricinfo.
GT’s Wicketkeeping Options and Mendis’ Form
Gujarat Titans already have two wicketkeeping options in Anuj Rawat and Kumar Kushagra, but Mendis brings strong recent form from the PSL, scoring 143 runs in five matches at a rapid strike rate of 168.
Impressive T20 Record for Sri Lanka
Kusal Mendis has represented Sri Lanka in 78 T20 matches, scoring 1920 runs with an average of 25.60 and a strike rate of 131.68. He has also made 15 fifties in T20 Internationals, showcasing his consistency.
Jos Buttler’s IPL Performance and ECB’s No-Objection Certificates
Buttler has been in excellent form this IPL season, scoring 500 runs in 11 innings with an average of 71.43 and a strike rate of 163.93. The England Cricket Board (ECB) issued no-objection certificates (NOCs) for all their players participating in IPL until May 25, which was the original IPL final date.
GT’s Upcoming Match
Gujarat Titans currently lead the IPL points table with eight wins and three losses. Their next match is against Delhi Capitals on May 18 at the Arun Jaitley Cricket Stadium in New Delhi.
