Kusal Mendis is set to replace English Jos Buttler in the Gujarat Titans squad for the India Premier League (IPL 2025) Playoffs.
Mendis had been at the Pakistan Super League (PSL) with Quetta Gladiators until last week, playing as their wicketkeeper-batter.
However, Kusal Mendis will not be travelling to Pakistan for the remainder of the PSL due to safety concerns and has now prioritised joining the IPL.
“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 ₹75 lakhs,” an official release said.
The Lankan 🦁 is now a Titan! ⚡#TitansFam, say hello to our latest addition, Kusal Mendis who will replace Jos Buttler from 26th May onwards! 🤩 pic.twitter.com/NxLFCQfsIx
— Gujarat Titans (@gujarat_titans) May 15, 2025
The IPL 2025 playoffs on May 29 which coincides with England’s ODI series at home against West Indies. The ECB has included Jos Buttler in the England squad for the home tour against West Indies, effectively ruling out for the rest of the tournament.
Kusal Mendis will likely to bat at No.3 for Gujarat Titans with former Rajasthan Royals star will be donning the wk-duties.
The Sri Lanka wk-batter’s last competitive game was for the Gladiators on May 07, and he displayed promising form in the PSL 2025 by aggregating 143 runs at a strike rate of 168 in five encounters.
Despite hosting Anuj Rawat and Kumar Kushagra in the roster, GT turned to Mendis to being in some international experience could come handy for them in playoffs.
The 30 year old Sri Lankan has registered for multiple IPL auctions but went unsold. He is currently awaiting his Indian visa and is likely to join the GT squad by Saturday.
Mendis has 4718 runs across 178 T20s at an average of 30.24 which includes 32 half centuries and two tons.
Meanwhile Gujarat Titans are in the top of the IPL 2025 points table with 16 points and are in pole position to secure a top two finish. Another victory will confirm a playoffs berth for them, which is when Mendis will called up into the Xl in all probability.
Jos Buttler’s contributions for GT scoring 500 runs in 11 games at an average of 71.43 and a strike rate of 163.93 with five 50+ scores.
