The Gujarat Titans (GT) have sprung a surprise ahead of the IPL 2025 remaining matches — roping in Sri Lanka‘s Somewhere in the mend as a replacement for England‘s If buttler. With Buttler unavailable due to England’s ODI commitments against West Indies starting May 29, the Titans needed a reliable and dynamic option to step in. In Mendis, they have not only found a like-for-like replacement in terms of role but also someone with recent form and renewed hunger to make a mark in franchise cricket.

This marks Mendis’ first-ever appearance in the IPL, and though it comes late in the season, the timing couldn’t be more crucial. GT currently sit atop the points table and are eyeing a deep playoff run. Here’s why Mendis might be the ideal wildcard GT needed heading into the knockout stage:

3 key reasons why Kusal Mendis is a good fit for Gujarat Titans

1. Explosive form in recent T20 outings

Mendis has been in red-hot touch at the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2025playing for the Quetta Gladiators. Though he featured in only five matches, he made them count, scoring 143 runs at a strike rate of 168 — numbers that suggest he’s in rhythm and ready to unleash. In a T20 format where quick runs and momentum shifts decide matches, a batter with Mendis’ aggressive approach can tilt the scales.

What stands out about his PSL performance is the range of his strokeplay and ability to find gaps under pressure. Whether opening the innings or batting in the middle order, Mendis brings with him a fearless brand of cricket — something Gujarat Titans may look to capitalize on in the business end of the tournament.

2. Versatile wicketkeeper-batter with experience

While the Gujarat Titans already have two wicketkeeping options in Anuj Rawat and Kumar kushagraMendis brings a different level of experience to the table. With nearly a decade in international cricket, including pressure situations in global tournaments, the Sri Lankan batter understands how to handle nerves and adapt to different match scenarios.

His dual skill set as a batter and a wicketkeeper makes team balance easier for the Titans. Having a dependable gloveman who can also anchor or accelerate an innings gives the think tank room to play an extra bowler or all-rounder depending on the pitch. Moreover, Mendis’ adaptability across formats has been proven repeatedly, and his ability to shift gears mid-innings makes him a potent asset in the remaining matches.

3. Fresh motivation and point to prove

For years, Mendis had been entering his name in the IPL auctions, only to go unsold every single time. Despite his reputation in international cricket, he remained on the fringes of the IPL spotlight — until now. Finally getting a call-up, even as a replacement, will be a huge motivational boost for the 30-year-old.

Players with a point to prove often perform with extra fire in their belly. For Mendis, this opportunity is more than just about filling a gap — it’s a platform to showcase his T20 credentials and earn himself a full-season contract in the future. With eyes on him and the pressure of high-stakes games, don’t be surprised if Mendis rises to the occasion and becomes a hero.