In a major mid-season transfer, Gujarat Titans (GT) have introduced the signing of Sri Lankan wicketkeeper-batter Kusal Mendis as a alternative for England’s Jos Buttler for the rest of the IPL 2025 season. The choice comes as Buttler prepares to depart for worldwide responsibility, leaving an important hole within the Titans’ lineup simply because the playoffs method.
Jos Buttler’s departure: A serious blow for Gujarat Titans
Jos Buttler, who has been in scintillating kind this season, is about to overlook the IPL playoffs attributable to his commitments with the England nationwide group. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has named Buttler within the squad for the upcoming house white-ball collection in opposition to the West Indies, which begins on Could 29-the similar day because the IPL Qualifier 1. Buttler, batting at No. 3 for the Titans, has amassed 500 runs in 11 matches at a formidable common of 71.43 and a strike charge of 163.93, enjoying a pivotal function in Gujarat’s rise to the highest of the desk.
His absence is a major setback for the Titans, who’re presently main the standings with 16 factors from 11 video games and are only one win away from securing a playoff berth. Buttler is predicted to characteristic within the final three league matches earlier than flying again to the UK.
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Kusal Mendis set to make his IPL debut
To fill the void left by Buttler, Gujarat Titans have turned to Kusal Mendis, marking the Sri Lankan’s maiden stint within the IPL. Mendis, 30, brings a wealth of T20 expertise, having scored over 4,700 runs in his profession with two centuries and 32 fifties. He was not too long ago seen in motion for the Quetta Gladiators within the Pakistan Tremendous League (PSL), the place he notched up 143 runs at a blistering strike charge of 168.23.
Mendis is predicted to fit straight into the Titans’ enjoying XI, given the group’s restricted wicketkeeping options-uncapped Anuj Rawat is the one different contender within the squad. He’ll be a part of his compatriot Dasun Shanaka, who was earlier signed as a alternative for the injured Glenn Phillips.
As a result of IPL’s revised alternative rules, Mendis joins the Titans as a brief signing and won’t be eligible for retention within the subsequent season. This rule has been applied to assist franchises deal with the rising variety of worldwide commitments clashing with the IPL schedule.
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