Kusal Mendis Leaves PSL to Join Gujarat Titans in IPL 2025 as Jos Buttler’s Replacement

The Gujarat Titans (GT) have signed Sri Lankan cricketer Kusal Mendis for the rest of IPL 2025. He will replace Jos Buttler, who is set to leave for national duties with England. Recently, Mendis played for Quetta Gladiators in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2025. He performed well, scoring 143 runs in five matches at a strike rate of 168.

However, his time in the PSL ended earlier than expected. Mendis chose to leave the tournament after May 7, citing personal safety concerns in Pakistan. He did not return to play the remaining matches for Quetta Gladiators. The decision to leave was linked to rising security concerns in Pakistan. Mendis’s exit followed increased tension in the region. Many foreign players also expressed fear after a few security incidents in the country.

Kusal Mendis Joins GT as Jos Buttler Replacement

Despite Gujarat Titans already having two wicketkeepers, Anuj Rawat and Kumar Kushagra, the management chose Mendis because of his experience and recent good form. Buttler will play his last game for GT against Chennai Super Kings on May 25. Mendis will officially join the squad from May 26. The Lanka Lions batter has been signed for Rs 75 lakh as he debuts in the Indian Premier League. Notably, Mendis brings plenty of international experience. He has played 78 T20 internationals for Sri Lanka. He has scored 1,920 runs at an average of 25.60 and a strike rate of 131.68. He also has 15 half-centuries in T20 internationals.

Gujarat Titans to Miss Jos Buttler’s Services in IPL 2025 Playoffs

GT hopes his experience and recent form will help fill the gap left by Buttler. Jos Buttler has been in top form in IPL 2025. He scored 500 runs in 11 innings with an average of 71.43. His strike rate was an impressive 163.93. His absence will be a big loss for Gujarat Titans, who currently lead the points table with eight wins and three losses.
The change comes just as the IPL is heading into its final stages. GT’s next match is on May 18 against Delhi Capitals in New Delhi. Mendis is expected to join the team after that match. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has allowed English players to play in the IPL only until May 25. That date was earlier marked as the original end of the tournament. As a result, several other English players will also leave their IPL teams around the same time.

India-Pakistan War and IPL Suspension

The IPL 2025 season has faced many challenges. One of the biggest was the temporary suspension of the league due to the India-Pakistan conflict. Tensions between the two countries reached a high point in April. As a result, the IPL was paused for one week due to security and travel concerns. Several foreign players hesitated to continue playing in India during that period. Although the situation has improved, the effects are still being felt. Players like Kusal Mendis are now extra cautious, especially after leaving the PSL for similar reasons.
IPL will resume after a short break and will be continued under tight security. Fans are expected to return to the stadiums, and matches are now being played as rescheduled. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is working closely with security agencies to ensure the safety of all players and staff. As Gujarat Titans prepare for the playoffs, the addition of Kusal Mendis brings hope. His presence adds depth to the batting lineup and experience behind the stumps. GT fans will be eager to see how he performs in his IPL debut.