According to rumors, Sri Lanka wicket-keeper Kusal Mendis is expected to replace England batsman Jos Buttler in the Gujarat Titans’ playing lineup for the next IPL 2025 playoffs, suggesting that the team has been aggressively pursuing a more comprehensive championship drive despite obstacles.

Before leaving for the UK to play for England’s national side in their white-ball series against the West Indies, Buttler is expected to play in GT’s last three league games.

The rearranged IPL 2025 schedule means that the opening game of the series, which is planned for May 29, will fall on the same day as the forthcoming playoffs.

Therefore, according to a report from ESPNCricinfo, the Titans want to add Mendis, a former player for Quetta Gladiators in the current Pakistan Super League (PSL), as reinforcements.

It is thought that Mendis decided not to return to Pakistan for the final phases of the PSL, which is also scheduled to resume, because of the military tensions and security worries.

Because the Gujarat team, directed by Shubman Gill, is expected to choose the Sri Lankan as a temporary Buttler substitute, this created a window of opportunity for both Mendis and GT to find comfort.

Buttler, who has amassed 500 runs at an incredible average of 71.42 and a remarkable strike rate of 163.93 so far this season, will be devastated to leave the Titans, but they will try to find another wind in the Sri Lankan.

Mendis, who is regarded as an exceptional hitter in his own right, scored 143 runs for the Quetta Gladiators in the current PSL 2025 season with a strike rate of 168.23.

The 30-year-old Sri Lankan has amassed 4,718 T20 runs with a strike rate of 137.43 and an average of 30.24 throughout his career.

Additionally, ESPNcricinfo verified that Kusal Mendis would be joining Dasun Shanaka, another Sri Lankan player, in the Gujarat Titans’ dugout.

Mendis is expected to start in GT’s starting XI in Jos Buttler’s absence because of the squad’s lack of other wicket-keeping options, with the uncapped Anuj Rawat being the only other choice.

It will soon be officially announced that the Sri Lankan batsman and wicketkeeper will take Buttler’s place in GT.