The Gujarat Titans’ path to the IPL 2025 playoffs was largely built on the solid performances of their top-order batters and at the heart of that success was Jos Buttler. But as the playoffs approach, GT find themselves in a tricky position. Their star opener has flown back to England to play in an ODI series against the West Indies. With no plans for his return, Buttler’s absence has left a sizeable gap in Gujarat’s batting order.
So, who will step in? The team has named Sri Lankan batter Kusal Mendis as the official replacement. But the big question remains can Mendis fill the void left by Jos Buttler in IPL 2025?
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Buttler’s Departure – A Big Blow at the Worst Time
Buttler didn’t just play well this season — he was crucial to Gujarat Titans’ journey to the playoffs. Scoring 538 runs in 13 innings at an impressive strike rate of 163.03, including five half-centuries, he contributed nearly 21% of the team’s total runs in IPL 2025. His strong starts, often alongside Shubman Gill or B Sai Sudharsan, laid the foundation for GT’s wins.
However, the IPL season stretched beyond its original schedule due to multiple rain interruptions and rescheduling. As a result, overseas stars like Buttler, Will Jacks, and Jacob Bethell had to leave early to fulfil their national commitments. England’s ODI series clashed directly with the IPL playoffs, leaving Gujarat in a fix.
Who is Kusal Mendis, and What Does He Bring to the Table?
To address the sudden gap, Gujarat Titans signed Kusal Mendis as Jos Buttler’s replacement in IPL 2025. Mendis, a top-order batter from Sri Lanka, is known for his sharp strokeplay and decent experience in white-ball formats.
But let’s break down his T20 stats:
- Overall T20s: 123 innings, 3,882 runs, average of 33.75, 29 half-centuries, 2 centuries
- At No.3 (T20 Leagues): 365 runs in 17 innings at an average of 22.81
- T20 Internationals at No.3: 70 runs in 6 innings, average of just 11.66
So, while Mendis has a solid reputation as a top-order batter, his specific performance at the No.3 slot — which is where GT might place him — hasn’t been strong. His highest score at No.3 came in the Lanka Premier League, a 68-run knock back in 2020. It’s clear that he’s yet to prove himself in high-pressure positions like Buttler consistently did.
Also, Mendis has never played an IPL match before. That means zero experience in high-intensity playoff games on Indian soil, where every mistake gets magnified.
What Are GT’s Options Without Buttler?
Option 1: Let Mendis Open, Shift Sudharsan to No.3
This option allows Mendis to bat where he is most comfortable — the top of the order. Sudharsan has shown flexibility before, and though he’s had success as an opener with Shubman Gill (909 runs together in IPL 2025), a one-match shuffle might be manageable.
Option 2: Mendis at No.3, Maintain the Gill-Sudharsan Pair
This is the safer bet if GT wants to avoid breaking up a winning combination. However, this puts Mendis in an unfamiliar and challenging spot, especially in a must-win eliminator.
Option 3: Use a Floating Middle Order
GT could adopt a flexible batting strategy where Mendis bats depending on the situation. If an early wicket falls, he comes in. If the top order clicks, he can be pushed down or used as a pinch-hitter.
Can Mendis Truly Replace Buttler?
Let’s be clear — no, Kusal Mendis cannot fully replace Jos Buttler in terms of performance, experience, or impact.
Buttler was a big-match player. His calm under pressure, explosive starts, and ability to dominate any bowling attack gave GT a major advantage throughout the season. Mendis, while talented, is untested in IPL conditions and under high-stakes pressure.
Yet, cricket isn’t always about one player. GT’s Director of Cricket, Vikram Solanki, emphasized this in a press conference:
“It’s not about one or two players. We approach the game as a team.”
With the likes of Shubman Gill, Sudharsan, and all-rounders like Rashid Khan and Rahul Tewatia, GT still has a strong core. What Mendis needs to do is play smart, not try to overdo things, and take his chances when they come.
The Pressure Ahead
Gujarat Titans will now face Mumbai Indians in the Eliminator — a do-or-die match. The loser walks out of the tournament; the winner moves to Qualifier 2.
GT has beaten MI in both league matches, but the playoffs are a different beast. And this time, there’s no Jos Buttler to fall back on if the top order collapses. Mendis must now prove he can stand tall under pressure and justify his inclusion.
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The Jos Buttler replacement in IPL 2025 was never going to be easy. Losing a player of his caliber right before the playoffs is a major blow. Kusal Mendis brings potential, but not certainty.
However, the IPL is often about stories of unlikely heroes. Mendis now has a golden opportunity to make a statement on the biggest T20 stage. Whether he sinks or shines will define GT’s playoff run — and maybe even his own future in the IPL.