Gujarat Titans (GT) have signed Sri Lankan opener Kusal Mendis as a replacement for England’s Jos Buttler, who will miss the IPL 2025 playoffs due to national duty.
Buttler, England’s white-ball captain, will depart on May 26 after GT’s final league-stage fixture against Chennai Super Kings on May 25. His exit comes ahead of England’s white-ball series against the West Indies, which begins on May 29, creating a direct clash with the IPL playoffs.
Mendis will join the Gujarat Titans squad on May 26 for the IPL 2025 playoffs. The IPL 2022 champions signed him for Rs 75 lakh. The franchise has two other wicketkeeping options in their squad-Anuj Rawat and Kumar Kushagra-but Mendis has been in impressive form recently, scoring 143 runs at a strike rate of 168 in five matches for the Gladiators in the Pakistan Super League.
Although Mendis had entered the IPL auction multiple times in the past, he had never been picked until now. He is currently awaiting his India visa and is expected to join the GT squad on Saturday.
Gujarat Titans are well-positioned to secure a top-two finish. With 16 points from 11 matches, they sit near the top of the table with three league matches remaining against Delhi Capitals (May 18, away), Lucknow Super Giants (May 22), and Chennai Super Kings (May 25). A strong finish could earn them a direct path to Qualifier 1 and a chance to reach their second IPL final in three seasons.
Elsewhere, Punjab Kings have signed New Zealand pacer Kyle Jamieson as a replacement for Lockie Ferguson, who has been ruled out with a hamstring injury. Jamieson joins PBKS for Rs 2 crore and adds bounce and control to their bowling attack.
Lucknow Super Giants have brought in New Zealand seamer William O’Rourke to replace Mayank Yadav, who was sidelined with a back injury. O’Rourke, a rising fast-bowling prospect, joins LSG for Rs 3 crore and could prove to be a vital addition as the team pushes for a playoff spot.
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