Mendis to replace Buttler in Gujarat Titans' for IPL 2025 playoffs: Reports

IANS May 15, 2025 248 views

The Gujarat Titans are set to welcome Sri Lankan wicketkeeper Kusal Mendis as a replacement for Jos Buttler in the upcoming IPL playoffs. Buttler's unavailability stems from his national team commitments with England's ODI squad against West Indies. Mendis, who recently performed well in PSL, is currently awaiting his India visa and expected to join the team soon. The Titans, current leaders of the IPL 2025 points table, are looking strong as they approach the crucial playoff stage.

"Mendis is set to join the GT squad ahead of crucial playoff match" - ESPNCricinfo Report
New Delhi, May 15: Sri Lanka wicketkeeper-batter Kusal Mendis is set to replace Jos Buttler in the Gujarat Titans' (GT) squad when the IPL 2025 playoffs happen. This will be the first time that Mendis will be a part of the IPL.

Key Points

1

Mendis replaces Buttler due to England's ODI series

2

GT leading IPL 2025 points table

3

First IPL appearance for Mendis

4

Visa pending for Indian entry

A report in ESPNCricinfo on Thursday said Mendis will not play for Quetta Gladiators in remainder of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) due to security concerns, and instead, he will be coming to India for the IPL 2025 playoffs. Mendis had made 143 runs at a strike rate of 168 in five 2025 PSL matches.

The report also mentioned that Mendis is currently awaiting his India visa, and is likely to join the GT squad on Saturday, ahead of their clash against Delhi Capitals (DC) at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi on Sunday.

Buttler's unavailability for GT in the IPL 2025 playoffs is due to him being named in England's ODI squad for the home series against West Indies, which starts on May 29. It's also the day when the IPL 2025 playoffs begin, with the final to happen on June 3.

Buttler was replaced as England's captain by Harry Brook after the side suffered a group stage exit in the 2025 Champions Trophy. GT, the IPL 2022 winners, are currently at top of the IPL 2025 points table and look set to enter the playoffs.

Will Jacks and Jacob Bethell, who play for Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bengaluru respectively, could also give the IPL 2025 playoffs a miss due to national duties, though as of now their availability status is unclear.

Jofra Archer and Jamie Overton, who are also named in England's squads for the series against the West Indies, will not be coming back to India as their teams - Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) - are already out of contention for the playoffs.

Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
Exciting news! Mendis is a quality player and his aggressive batting will suit GT's style perfectly. Hope he gets his visa quickly 🤞. Though we'll miss Buttler's experience, this is a great opportunity for Mendis to shine in IPL!
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Priya M.
Interesting how players are choosing IPL over PSL due to security concerns. Shows how well organized our tournament is! Mendis has been in good form, but replacing Buttler is big shoes to fill. Hope GT's management supports him properly.
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Arjun S.
As a GT fan, I'm a bit worried about this last-minute change during playoffs. Team chemistry matters a lot in crunch matches. But Hardik Pandya is a great captain who can integrate new players well. Fingers crossed! #AavaDe
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Sanjana R.
Why can't BCCI schedule IPL without clashing with other international series? Every year we see this problem of players leaving for national duty. IPL is our premier tournament and deserves full attention from all players.
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Vikram J.
Mendis is a fantastic talent! Saw him play against India last year and he was brilliant. Hope he gets good reception from Indian fans. Cricket should bring countries together 🇮🇳🤝🇱🇰. But GT better win that trophy now!
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Neha P.
The visa process for players should be faster during IPL season. Sometimes it feels like our bureaucracy doesn't understand the urgency in sports. Mendis is coming to boost our tournament's quality - make him welcome quickly!

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Tags:
IPL 2025 Gujarat Titans Kusal Mendis Jos Buttler Cricket Playoffs Sri Lanka Cricket