- May 17, 2025
One minute it’s Quetta Gladiators of the Pakistan Super League (PSL), the next, it’s the IPL playoffs as a member of the Gujarat Titans. Cricket has always had a flair for the dramatic, but Kusal Mendis just wrote himself into the books for future drama in the game.
Recently, the Sri Lankan wicketkeeper batter made news because he had stopped going back to the PSL 2025 after the cutoff date of May 7, and when asked why, he said there were personal safety issues. This seemed to suggest that he was softly retiring from franchise cricket for the season, until the IPL opportunity popped wide open. When Jos Buttler vacated GT on May 25 for national commitments, the Titans needed an experienced replacement, and they needed it fast. Kusal Mendis had just completed playing for PSL and had no other franchise commitments, so he was the logical—and available—solution.
Why Mendis Quit PSL—and Why It Matters
He looked comfortable; he looked relaxed; he looked like he was again finding his T20 groove. However, shortly after his May 7 match, he subsequently decided not to return for the rest of the tournament. Reportedly, this was due to personal safety concerns—a sensitive issue which has not been without its contaminations in cricket tours to Pakistan over the years.
It’s never an easy decision to withdraw from a tournament mid-way, and it usually means trouble for the individual, like with any break-up. But for Mendis, maybe it was the silver lining he could use. He was released from his contract to be a free agent and, most fortuitously, entered the bids phase just as the IPL was advancing into the highest of moments.
Gujarat Titans Cash In on Perfect Timing
As they say, timing is everything. With Jos Buttler playing his final game on May 25 against CSK (due to the ECB’s no-objection certificate policy expiring on that day), GT needed to be quick. And they were. Mendis was purchased for ₹75 Lakh – an absolute bargain when you consider he is a player who has 78 T20Is to his name, almost 2000 runs, and 15 fifties.
Mendis’ IPL debut will be under playoff pressure, but with Buttler leaving a massive hole right at the top, he brings with him calmness and explosive capability.
From Pakistan Pitches to Indian Pressure Cookers
The real exam starts now, though. Their both T20 leagues, and PSL / IPL are fundamentally different. The IPL is a spectacle, particularly the play-offs. The stadiums are louder, the scrutiny is harsher, and the margin for error is almost nonexistent.
However, the upside for Mendis is that he has less expectation to “be Buttler”. Mendis doesn’t need to be a superstar, he just needs to contribute. Depending on the game situation, he could play a different role, such as a floater, stabilizer, or accelerator.
What if he clicks? What a story. The player who left the PSL mid-season for personal reasons to become a hero in the IPL play-offs? That’s cricket poetry. Kusal Mendis was questioned about opting out of the PSL, and in hindsight, it is understandable. His availability is GT’s luck. And while Buttler’s absence is a massive loss, at the most opportune time, Mendis provides a different look to the Titans’ setup.
You have to wonder if this tactical swap will be a stroke of genius or just a temporary fix? Only the playoffs will tell.
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