Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 is all set to resume from May 17 after being paused for a week due to rising tensions between India and Pakistan. During the same period, the Pakistan Super League (PSL) was also temporarily suspended. With the situation now easing and a ceasefire in place, both leagues are preparing to restart.
Mendis chooses IPL over PSL
Amid these developments, Sri Lankan batter Kusal Mendis has reportedly opted out of the PSL and decided to play in the IPL instead. He was previously representing the Quetta Gladiators in the Pakistan Super League. However, due to security concerns, Mendis has chosen not to return to Pakistan.
Set to replace Jos Buttler at GT
Mendis will now join Gujarat Titans (GT) as a replacement for Jos Buttler, who is set to leave the tournament on May 26 to join the England squad for the upcoming ODI and T20I series against West Indies. Mendis is expected to be available for selection immediately after Buttler’s departure.
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Strong form ahead of IPL debut
This will be Kusal Mendis’s debut appearance in the Indian Premier League (IPL), and he comes in with impressive form. In PSL 2025, he scored 143 runs in 8 matches at a strike rate of 168, with recent innings of 32, 36, 12, 28, and an unbeaten 35.
The 30-year-old has been a consistent performer for Sri Lanka across all formats. He has scored:
4668 runs in 71 Tests (avg 36.75)
4429 runs in 143 ODIs (avg 34.60)
1920 runs in 78 T20Is (avg 25.60)
His inclusion could prove valuable for Gujarat Titans as the race to the playoffs intensifies.
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Gujarat is currently leading the IPL 2025 points table and they need just one more win to qualify for IPL playoffs.
