Gujarat Titans (GT) have been hit with a major blow ahead of the 2025 Indian Premier League's (IPL) restart as Jos Buttler will not be able to play for them in the playoffs. The franchise confirmed that Sri Lankan wicket-keeper batter Kusal Mendis will replace him in the squad.

Buttler has been key to GT's success so far is right in the middle of a heated race for the orange cap with the top five separated by 10 runs. The ex-England captain has 500 runs in 11 matches at an average of 71.42 with five half-centuries.

Buttler has been an integral part of a stunning top three for the Titans alongside Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan. The trio have marked the first instance in IPL history of three players from the same team making more than 500 runs in a season.

On the other hand, Mendis has left the Pakistan Super League (PSL) to join the Titans, where he will Rs. 75 Lakhs. However, the Sri Lankan star cannot play for the 2022 champions before May 26

Why Gujarat Titans Cannot Field Kusal Mendis In Playing XI Till May 26?

Mendis is a temporary replacement for Buttler and can only play for the Titans after the English star leaves, who will return to India for the league's restart. Multiple media reports revealed recently that BCCI have allowed tweaked the rules and allowed temporary replacements to franchises but these players cannot be retained and will have to enter the auction in 2026.

Buttler is unavailable due to international duty after being in England's ODI and T20I squad for Harry Brook's first assignment as England's white-ball captain against West Indies. The three ODIs will take place on May 29, June 1, and June 3, while the 2025 IPL playoff matches will take place on May 29, May 30, and June 1, with the final scheduled on June 3.

The Titans are very close to securing a playoff spot with 16 points in 11 games so far. As things stand, they are top of the table.

GT will resume their campaign on Sunday (May 18) against Delhi Capitals (DC) in Delhi before hosting Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in Ahmedabad on May 22 and 25.

This essentially means Buttler will play all the league stage fixtures and Mendis will only be able to make his GT debut in the playoffs.

"Gujarat Titans (GT) have picked Kusal Mendis as a replacement for Jos Buttler, who is set to leave for national duties on May 26, 2025, following GT's last league-stage game against Chennai Super Kings on May 25, 2025. The replacement will be effective from May 26, 2025.Mendis will join GT for INR 75 Lakh," said IPL's official statement

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