Gujarat Titans (GT) have suffered a major setback ahead of the IPL 2025 playoffs. The team’s star batsman Jos Buttler will no longer be able to play in the playoffs as he has been selected for England’s ODI series against the West Indies. The series starts on May 29, which is also the start date of the IPL playoffs. Due to this, Buttler will have to return to the UK. According to ESPNcricinfo report, GT has included Sri Lankan batsman and wicketkeeper Kusal Mendis in the team in his place.
Jos Buttler is a part of England’s ODI team. He has been called for the West Indies series starting on 29 May. Due to this, he will not be able to play in the IPL playoffs. Although he will play for GT in the last three matches of the league, Buttler has had a stellar season in 11 matches – scoring over 500 runs, at an average of 71.43 and a strike rate of 163.93.
GT’s only wicketkeeper option is uncapped Anuj Rawat. In such a situation, bringing Kusal Mendis into the team is considered a good decision. He recently performed well in the Pakistan Super League (PSL), where he scored 143 runs and had a strike rate of over 168. Mendis will now play in the IPL for the first time and can come straight into the playing XI.
Gujarat Titans is currently at the top of the points table. The team has won 8 out of 11 matches and has 16 points. With just one more win, Gujarat Titans will secure their place in the playoffs. Captain Shubman Gill is also in great form this season and has scored 500+ runs. The team’s next match is against Delhi Capitals on May 18 at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi.
Butler has been a very important batsman for GT at number 3. Now Kusal Mendis will also have to shoulder the same responsibility. He has played 78 T20 International matches for Sri Lanka and has scored 1920 runs. The pressure of IPL is different but he has experience. As per the new rules of IPL GT cannot retain him for the next season so he has to perform well this time.
Butler’s departure has dealt a blow to the team, but Mendis’ arrival can give the team new energy. GT has players like Rashid Khan and Kagiso Rabada. Who gives balance to the team. Reactions from fans on social media are mixed – some find Butler’s departure a big loss, while some are pinning their hopes on Mendis.
Mendis has decided not to play the remaining matches of PSL. According to the report, he had expressed concern about security. Anyway, IPL is the biggest league in the world and the opportunity to play in it can be very beneficial for his career. Mendis has not been sold in the IPL auction several times before, but now he has got a big opportunity to prove himself.
