Kusal Mendis opts out of PSL, replaces Jos Buttler for IPL 2025 playoffs
Gujarat Titans
(GT) have picked
Kusal Mendis
as a replacement for
Jos Buttler
, who is set to leave for national duties on May 26, 2025, following GT's last league-stage game against Chennai Super Kings on May 25, 2025. The replacement will be effective from May 26, 2025.
Mendis will join GT for Rs 75 Lakh.
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The England and Wales Cricket Board has issued no-objection certificates to English players in the IPL only until May 25, which was initially set as the tournament's final date.
Mendis, who will make his IPL debut, recently played for Quetta Gladiators in the Pakistan Super League 2025. His last appearance for the franchise was on May 7, after which he opted out of returning to Pakistan citing personal safety concerns.
Despite Gujarat Titans having two wicketkeepers in Anuj Rawat and Kumar Kushagra, Mendis brings substantial international experience. He performed impressively in the PSL, scoring 143 runs in five matches at a strike rate of 168.
Quiz:
Who's that IPL player?
In his international career, Mendis has played 78 T20 Internationals, accumulating 1,920 runs at an average of 25.60 and a strike rate of 131.68. He has scored 15 half-centuries in T20 internationals.
Bombay Sport Exchange Ep 5: Shane Watson on how IPL gave him a lifeline & his tribute to Phil Hughes
Buttler's departure creates a significant gap in the Gujarat Titans lineup. He has amassed 500 runs in 11 innings during IPL 2025, maintaining an average of 71.43 and a strike rate of 163.93.
The Gujarat Titans currently lead the IPL standings with eight wins and three losses from 11 matches. Their next match is against Delhi Capitals on May 18 at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi.
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