In a significant development around the Indian Premier League 2025 (IPL 2025), Sri Lankan wicketkeeper-batsman Kusal Mendis is likely to replace England’s Jos Buttler in the Gujarat Titans (GT) squad for the playoffs.
The news comes as Buttler, along with teammates Will Jacks and Jacob Bethell, is expected to miss the IPL 2025 playoffs due to international commitments as they have been included in England's ODI squad for a series against the West Indies, starting May 29.
The revised IPL 2025 schedule, announced by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), sees the tournament resuming on May 17 after a week-long break due to tensions between India and Pakistan. The league stage will continue until May 27, with playoffs starting on May 29 and the final scheduled for June 3.
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Gujarat Titans to Replace Jos Buttler with Kusal Mendis for IPL 2025 Playoffs
According to a report from Newswire, Kusal Mendis, known for his explosive batting and reliable glovework, has been signed by the Gujarat Titans to fill the void left by Jos Buttler, who has been a cornerstone of the team’s batting lineup. Mendis is likely to be a temporary replacement and will not be retained for the next season.
Buttler has amassed 500 runs in ongoing season, forming a formidable top-order alongside Sai Sudharsan and captain Shubman Gill, helping the Titans secure the top spot on the IPL 2025 points table.
"Sri Lanka batsman Kusal Mendis is likely to join the Gujarat Titans for the remainder of the IPL 2025 season, according to cricket sources," a Newswire report read.
Buttler’s international duties clash with the extended IPL timeline has prompted the Titans to seek a replacement. His absence is a big blow for Gujarat Titans, given his pivotal role in their line-up.
Kusal Mendis’ Recent Performances
Mendis, a seasoned campaigner in international cricket, brings a wealth of experience to the Titans. The 30-year-old has been a mainstay in Sri Lanka’s batting line-up across formats, known for his ability to anchor innings and accelerate when needed.
He recently played for Quetta Gladiators and fared well in the Pakistan Super League 2025 (PSL 2025). He smashed 143 runs in five innings at an average of 35.75 and a strike-rate of 168.23.
Gujarat Titans have not officially confirmed Mendis’s signing, but sources indicate that the deal is in its final stages. GT have all but confirmed their place in the playoffs with 16 points. They still have three league matches remaining against Delhi Capitals (DC), Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) respectively.
