Kusal Mendis, the Sri Lankan wicketkeeper-batter, is set to take over Jos Buttler’s spot in the Gujarat Titans team for the upcoming IPL playoffs.
Until recently, Kusal Mendis was part of the Quetta Gladiators team at the Pakistan Super League (PSL), serving as their wicketkeeper-batter. His last match for them was on May 7. However, due to safety concerns, he has decided not to join the team in Pakistan for the remaining matches of the PSL. Instead, he has shifted his focus to playing in the IPL, a league he has not yet participated in.
Buttler’s unavailability for the playoffs is due to his selection in England’s ODI squad for the upcoming home series against West Indies, beginning on May 29. Interestingly, this also coincides with the start of the IPL’s playoffs.
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GT also has the option of choosing from Anuj Rawat and Kumar Kushagra as wicketkeepers in their squad. Nonetheless, Kusal Mendis’ performance for the Gladiators has been impressive, scoring 143 runs at a strike rate of 168 in five PSL matches.
Being approached by an IPL team as a replacement is a significant boost for Kusal Mendis’ career. Despite repeatedly entering his name in the IPL auctions, he had never been bought until now. It has been reported that he is currently awaiting his India visa, and is expected to join the GT squad on Saturday.
At the moment, GT hold the top spot in the IPL standings. They are tied with Royal Challengers Bengaluru in terms of points, but their net run rate is superior. Just one additional victory will secure their spot in the playoffs.
