In the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, Gujarat Titans’ (GT) wicketkeeper-batsman Jos Buttler will not be available for the playoff matches.
Reports suggest that GT is planning to include Sri Lanka’s Kusal Mendis in their squad as Buttler’s replacement.
It is worth noting that Mendis was recently seen playing in the Pakistan Super League (PSL).
Let’s take a closer look at this news.
GT Franchise Has Contacted Mendis
According to Newswire, the GT franchise has contacted Mendis regarding this, and an official statement may be released soon.
So far in IPL 2025, GT has won 8 out of 11 matches and their place in the playoffs is confirmed. The playoffs start on May 29, but Buttler will be unavailable due to international commitments.
In this situation, Mendis could join the GT team.
About Mendis’s T20 Career
Kusal Mendis has played 172 T20 matches in his career, scoring 4,718 runs at an average of 30.24 and a strike rate of 137.43. He has scored 2 centuries and 32 half-centuries.
In T20 internationals for Sri Lanka, he has played 78 matches, scoring 1,920 runs at an average of 25.60 with a strike rate of 131.68, including 15 half-centuries. He has not played in the IPL so far.
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Upcoming Matches for GT
GT will play their next IPL 2025 match on May 18 against Delhi Capitals (DC). After that, they face Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) on May 22 and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on May 25 in the league stage.
Will GT Feel the Absence of Buttler?
Jos Buttler has been outstanding in IPL 2025. The experienced wicketkeeper-batsman scored 500 runs in 11 matches with an incredible average of 71.42 and a strike rate of 163.93.
He also scored five half-centuries, including a highest unbeaten score of 97.
In his IPL career so far, Buttler has played 118 matches, scoring 4,082 runs at an average of 40.41.
