The Sri Lankan has been in superb form off late.
Kusal Mendis’ talent might be recognised as that of a fine Test and ODI batter. But those who have followed the Lanka Premier League (LPL) ardently would know that he is a capable T20 batter.
If you look at his stats, he has played four seasons of LPL with 1,300+ runs to his name. He holds a healthy average of 32 and a strike rate of 132, reflecting his approach as an effective batter.
AUSA-W
–
INDA-W
–
ROR
191/6
TBW
72/4
VSS
–
BVB
–
SIN-W
–
CAM-W
–
SIN-W
–
CAM-W
–
SKA
–
ABF
–
RJM
108/7
SOS
59/10
Rijeka Markhors beat Sir Oliver Split by 49 runs
ZGA
130/2
RJM
130/6
Rijeka Markhors tied with Zagreb Assassins (Zagreb Assassins wins the Golden Ball)
SOS
–
ZGA
17/0
ZGW
–
SOS
–
ZGA
–
RJM
–
SOS
–
ZGW
–
ZAS
–
ZGA
–
SOS
–
RJM
–
ZGA
–
ZAS
–
ZGA
–
SOS
–
DURH
83/1
MID
–
LEI
73/1
NOT
–
BB
84/0
KENT
–
WOR
–
HAM
57/2
SURR
–
GLAM
95/3
YOR
–
SOM
–
BCC
–
GUG
–
MATCH ABANDONED
NK
–
NWW
128/1
LLG
–
MUR
91/1
JJ
–
SBSCC
–
NCMI
–
BCC
–
CEC-A
–
KGC
–
KRMPS
–
BCC
–
BNB
167/4
HBT
–
MGD
–
SML
–
MYW
–
MGD
–
GBM
–
BNB
–
SLBL
178/6
SLGY
148/3
SLGR
–
SLGY
–
SOB
–
NOS
–
WEF
–
MAO
–
LOS
–
TRR
–
SBW-W
–
NOS-W
43/3
WFW-W
–
MOW-W
–
LSW-W
–
TRW-W
–
PS
–
BANA
–
In the last two years, the Lankan middle-order batter has played one season each in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) and SA20 with strike rates of 148 and 168. This offered a peek into his skills as a T20 batter. He flourished in the format in the last three years with tallies of 990 runs (2022), 654 runs (2023), and 1,114 runs (2024). Unfortunately, he cannot be retained by Gujarat Titans as he was a late replacement in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season.
Here are three teams that could target him in the IPL 2026 auction
MS Dhoni’s return is still up in the air. But even if he returns to IPL, it’s very much evident that the once-talismanic captain is a spent force. Mendis, while providing wicket-keeping cover for the team, can act as a stable scoring option in the top four. CSK desperately needs a breath of fresh air after a terrible season where their tactics failed in all departments. While they are in the hunt for young blood for the upcoming season, they can always rely on an experienced campaigner like Mendis.
ALSO READ:
Rajasthan Royals’ top order is stacked with top-tier talent. But their middle order has unravelled in too many moments during IPL 2025. On four occasions in chases, the top three laid a good foundation to finish the match before or in the last over. But they pressed the panic button every time and failed all four times. Kusal Mendis can add the needed strength and poise to their middle-order, which has looked clueless in situations that could’ve been won easily. With the news about Sanju Samson’s move out of the franchise, this could be a big chance to bring in Mendis for a reasonable price.
Pretty much like RR, the Delhi Capitals had a great top-four who were mostly performing well in IPL 2025. But their middle and lower orders failed when it mattered the most. Their problem is a lack of a batter who can soak the pressure on surfaces that aid turn and seam while scoring at a healthy rate. Mendis is a capable batter. He has tons of experience batting under pressure when odds were steeply stacked against his team. It’s tough to say what DC are wishing for in the IPL 2026 auction. But adding Mendis will help them with a second wicket-keeping choice and a calm head in the middle-order.
For more updates, follow CricXtasy on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Telegram, and YouTube.
