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In a significant mid-season move, Gujarat Titans (GT) have announced the signing of Sri Lankan wicketkeeper-batter Kusal Mendis as a replacement for England’s Jos Buttler for the remainder of the IPL 2025 season. The decision comes as Buttler prepares to depart for international duty, leaving a crucial gap in the Titans’ lineup just as the playoffs approach.
Jos Buttler’s departure: A major blow for Gujarat Titans
Jos Buttler, who has been in scintillating form this season, is set to miss the IPL playoffs due to his commitments with the England national team. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has named Buttler in the squad for the upcoming home white-ball series against the West Indies, which begins on May 29-the same day as the IPL Qualifier 1. Buttler, batting at No. 3 for the Titans, has amassed 500 runs in 11 matches at an impressive average of 71.43 and a strike rate of 163.93, playing a pivotal role in Gujarat’s rise to the top of the table.
His absence is a significant setback for the Titans, who are currently leading the standings with 16 points from 11 games and are just one win away from securing a playoff berth. Buttler is expected to feature in the last three league matches before flying back 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 in the IPL. Mendis, 30, brings a wealth of T20 experience, having scored over 4,700 runs in his career with two centuries and 32 fifties. He was recently seen in action for the Quetta Gladiators in the Pakistan Super League (PSL), where he notched up 143 runs at a blistering strike rate of 168.23.
Mendis is expected to slot straight into the Titans’ playing XI, given the team’s limited wicketkeeping options-uncapped Anuj Rawat is the only other contender in the squad. He will join his compatriot Dasun Shanaka, who was earlier signed as a replacement for the injured Glenn Phillips.
Due to the IPL’s revised replacement regulations, Mendis joins the Titans as a temporary signing and will not be eligible for retention in the next season. This rule has been implemented to help franchises cope with the increasing number of international commitments clashing with the IPL schedule.
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