From PSL Concerns to IPL Headlines: Mendis’s Sudden Switch
Sri Lankan batting star Kusal Mendis has recently hit headlines—but not for a stellar knock. Instead, he found himself embroiled in controversy during the IPL 2025 Eliminator while playing for Gujarat Titans (GT). This article dives into his IPL debut, the fallout, and his journey from PSL to the IPL stage.
From PSL Exit to IPL Entrance
In mid-May 2025, Kusal Mendis made the unexpected decision to leave the Pakistan Super League (PSL), citing safety concerns, and join Gujarat Titans as a replacement for Jos Buttler in the IPL playoffs.
Highlights:
-
Represented Quetta Gladiators in PSL 2025—amassed 143 runs at a blistering strike rate of 168 across five matches.
-
Signed by Gujarat Titans on May 15 for ₹75 lakh; officially joined squad on May 26.
-
GT needed reinforcement after Buttler departed for England duties starting May 29.
With GT sitting atop the IPL standings, this move signified a major boost—both for the team and Mendis himself.
IPL Debut Gone Awry
Mendis’s IPL debut came in the high‑pressure Eliminator vs Mumbai Indians (MI) on May 30 at Mullanpur. Sadly, it proved disastrous for him and Gujarat Titans.
| Phase | Incident | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Fielding | Dropped catches of Rohit Sharma (81) and Suryakumar Yadav (33) | Cost GT crucial breakthroughs; fans angry |
| Batting | Scored just 20 runs off 10 balls, including two sixes | Provided a brief spark but failed to conceivably chase total |
| Dismissal | “Hit-wicket” dismissal—foot slipped onto stumps during sweep attempt | Unusual and highly publicized moment |
The match ended with MI advancing, and Mendis faced significant criticism online. Some fans jokingly questioned his loyalty and speculated about off‑field motives, even calling for checks on his bank account.
What Fans Are Saying
Fan sentiment was overwhelmingly negative:
-
“Poor outing, two dropped catches, hit‑wicket—just everything that could go wrong”.
-
“Check his bank account; is he even playing for GT?” — a sarcastic take on perceived bias.
Beyond the scorn, some saw it as a harsh but cautionary tale of how IPL pressure can affect even experienced players.
The Bigger Picture: Mendis’s Journey Ahead
While current headlines focus on his IPL misstep, it's essential to remember Mendis’s broader career and accomplishments:
-
International records
-
Played 71 Tests (avg 36.75), 143 ODIs (avg 34.60), 78 T20Is (avg 25.60).
-
Scored 10 Test centuries, 5 ODI tons; T20I fifty-scorer (15 fifties).
-
-
IPL opportunity
-
First IPL selection after multiple auction bids went unanswered.
-
Given platform on one of the IPL’s strongest teams, very late into the 2025 playoff season.
-
-
Reputational baggage
-
Has encountered off-field troubles: banned for bio‑bubble breach (2021), car accident (2020), disciplinary fines.
-
These factors may influence how quickly GT management and fans give him another shot.
-
Paths for Redemption
-
Next IPL matches: If GT is eliminated, Mendis’s IPL journey halts for now—until next season.
-
Sri Lanka assignment: He remains a regular in the national squad. A strong international performance can shift attention.
-
Domestic focus: T20 leagues like LPL, BPL, or CPL offer return routes and confidence-building.
-
Skills refinement: Better footwork, sharper wicket-keeping, and stabilizing his mind under pressure are key.
Final Take
Kusal Mendis’s IPL debut could not have been worse—from field errors to the comedic self-dismissal. However, labeling it a career-defining disaster would be premature. He has proven skills at the international level and now faces a choice: learn fast, bounce back in Sri Lanka’s colors, and rebuild with humility—or risk fading from IPL consideration.
