Kusal Mendis Gives Official Statement On Betraying PSL For IPL 2025

Sri Lanka’s wicket-keeper batter, Kusal Mendis, in a social media post, has confirmed the news of his departure from the 2025 season of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) to take part in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025.

Mendis, as reported, will replace Jos Buttler in the Gujarat Titans (GT) squad for the playoffs. The former England captain will leave India for the start of the three-match home ODI series against the West Indies.

“I had to leave the PSL 2025 suddenly”- Kusal Mendis

Kusal Mendis, the veteran batter, has revealed in a social media statement that he would be leaving the PSL. However, he also shares a story of how he forgot to bring the training kit from Pakistan, and a Sri Lankan staying in that country flew to Colombo to bring the bag back.

“Unfortunately when I Had to leave @OfficialPSL suddenly I had to leave my kitbag behind, I tried everything to get it down to join @IPL but nothing worked, and when this amazing Sri Lankan Mr. Wayne who is living in Pakistan, flew all the way to Colombo to bring my kitbag. (he is an) amazing human.!!” Mendis wrote on his X account.

Also Read: ‘Time Is Right’- Ravi Shastri Reveals Virat Kohli Talked To Him Before Announcing Test Retirement

Kusal Mendis has featured in 167 T20 innings so far in his career to collect 4718 runs at an average of 30.24 and a strike rate of 137.43, thanks to two centuries and 32 half-centuries at the best score of unbeaten 105 runs.

Kusal Mendis’ role will be vital for the Titans at number three, who could come and nail the bowlers from the start of the innings or hold one end if they lose early wickets and tackle the spinners in the middle phase of the innings. In addition, he is also offering the wicket-keeping role.

GT to feel Jos Buttler’s absence in IPL 2025 playoffs

Buttler is the fifth leading run-getter of the side with 500 runs in 11 innings at an average of 71.42 and a strike rate of 163.93, thanks to five half-centuries at the best score of unbeaten 97 runs. During the tournament, he played some sensible knocks to carry them over the line.

Buttler has been an experienced member of the format with various franchises, and that would be a huge miss for the side in the knockout stage of the competition. Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan have enjoyed the opening partnerships between them throughout the season, as Buttler has been a pivotal member of the core.

Kusal Mendis has not featured in the IPL before, which will be added pressure on the right-handed batter. However, he has been in good touch of late.

Also Read: Mitchell Starc Leaves Delhi Capitals In Trouble; Refuses To Come Back For IPL 2025

During the PSL 2025, Kusal Mendis clubbed 143 runs in five innings at an average of 35.75 at a strike rate of nearly 170, thanks to the best score of 36 runs.

unfortunately when I Had to leave @OfficialPSL suddenly I had to leave my kitbag behind,Tried everything to get it down to join @ipl but nothing worked,when this amazing Sri Lankan Mr. Wayne who is living in Pakistan, flew all the way to colombo to bring my kitbag amazing human. pic.twitter.com/fMU7WzD8gf

— Kusal Mendis (@KusalMendis13) May 17, 2025

Gujarat Titans aim for the top two spots

The 2022 champions of the tournament started the campaign with eight victories in 11 group-stage encounters to be in the top position at a net run rate of +0.793. A victory from this position will qualify them for the playoffs of the event, while two wins will keep them among the top two spots.

Finishing in the top two will provide them with an extra chance in the event. They will restart the campaign against the Delhi Capitals at the Arun Jaitley Stadium before facing the Lucknow Super Giants at home, the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on May 22.