Kusal Mendis Joins Gujarat Titans for IPL 2025 Playoffs

In a significant move for the IPL 2025 playoffs, Kusal Mendis will replace Jos Buttler in the Gujarat Titans squad. Buttler's commitment to England's ODI team leaves a gap that Mendis, fresh from the PSL, is set to fill. With impressive stats in T20 cricket, Mendis aims to make a strong impact in the playoffs. The Titans currently lead the points table and are gearing up for their next match against the Delhi Capitals. Read on to find out more about this exciting development in the IPL.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 16, 2025, 01:59 IST

Kusal Mendis Steps in for Jos Buttler

New Delhi [India] May 15: According to reports from ESPNcricinfo, Sri Lankan wicketkeeper-batter Kusal Mendis will take the place of Jos Buttler in the Gujarat Titans lineup for the IPL 2025 playoffs.

Buttler is unavailable for the playoffs as he has been selected for England's ODI squad for their home series against the West Indies, which kicks off on May 29, coinciding with the start of the IPL playoffs.

Mendis recently played for the Quetta Gladiators in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) until last week, where he served as their wicketkeeper-batter. His last match for the Gladiators was on May 7. However, due to safety concerns, he will not continue in the PSL and has opted to join the IPL, a league he has yet to compete in, as per ESPNcricinfo.

The Gujarat Titans also have Anuj Rawat and Kumar Kushagra as wicketkeeping alternatives. Nevertheless, Mendis has shown impressive form in the PSL 2025, scoring 143 runs at a strike rate of 168 over five matches.

In T20 internationals, Mendis has participated in 78 matches for Sri Lanka, accumulating 1920 runs with an average of 25.60 and a strike rate of 131.68, including 15 fifties.

The England Cricket Board (ECB) has issued no-objection certificates (NOCs) for all players participating in the IPL until May 25, the initial date set for the IPL 2025 final, according to ESPNcricinfo.

Buttler has scored 500 runs in 11 innings for the Gujarat Titans in the current IPL season, boasting an average of 71.43 and a strike rate of 163.93. The Titans are currently leading the points table with eight wins and three losses in their 11 matches.

The Titans are set to face the Delhi Capitals on May 18 at the Arun Jaitley Cricket Stadium in New Delhi.