Sri Lankan wicketkeeper-batter Kusal Mendis has opted out of the remainder of PSL 2025 amid safety concerns. However, the right-handed batter has signed with the Gujarat Titans (GT) as a replacement for Jos Buttler for IPL 2025 playoffs.
Kusal Mendis, who was representing Quetta Gladiators in the Pakistan Super League, played his final game for the franchise on May 7. The tournament was suspended due to tensions between India and Pakistan. Notably, the PSL will resume on Saturday, May 17, with the final match scheduled for May 25.
Kusal Mendis Set to Make IPL Debut for Gujarat Titans in Playoffs
Kusal Mendis is set to make his IPL debut for Gujarat Titans in the playoffs. The Sri Lankan wicketkeeper-batter has been signed as a replacement for Jos Buttler, who will leave the tournament after the league stage to join England’s white-ball squad for their ODI series against the West Indies.
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Buttler will play his last match for GT on May 25 against Chennai Super Kings in Ahmedabad. To fill the void, GT have brought in Mendis for ₹75 lakh. He will be available for selection if the team qualifies for the playoffs, which begin on May 29.
With Buttler having played a dual role as a top-order batter and wicketkeeper, the franchise has opted for a similar profile in Mendis. The Sri Lankan is also expected to slot in at No. 3 for the Ashish Nehra-led side.
Kusal Mendis Brings International Experience for GT in IPL 2025 Playoffs
Kusal Mendis last played a competitive match on May 7 for Quetta. He scored 143 runs in five PSL 2025 games at a strike rate of 168. Although Gujarat already have Anuj Rawat and Kumar Kushagra as wicketkeeping options, the franchise opted for international experience for the high-pressure games.
The 30-year-old has entered multiple IPL auctions in the past but went unsold until now. He is currently awaiting his Indian visa and is expected to join the Titans by Saturday.
Mendis has played 178 T20 matches, scoring 4,718 runs at an average of 30.24 and a strike rate of 137.43. He has hit 32 fifties and two centuries. Behind the stumps, he has taken 121 catches and executed 17 stumpings.
2022 IPL Champions Return to Action on May 18 Against Delhi Capitals
The Gujarat Titans are at the top of the IPL standings with 16 points after 11 matches. They will secure a spot in the playoffs with one more win. The Shubman Gill-led team has an opportunity to secure a top-two finish.
The 2022 IPL champions will return to action on May 18 with a match against Delhi Capitals (DC) in Delhi. They will then take on the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at the Narendra Modi International Stadium.
GT’s last match was a rain-affected win by three wickets over the Mumbai Indians at Wankhede Stadium. During the league break, the Ahmedabad-based team was the first to resume training in preparation for the final games of the season.
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