Kusal Mendis to Replace Jos Buttler in Gujarat Titans Squad for IPL 2025 Playoffs; PBKS and LSG Announce Additional Changes

In a major development before the rest of IPL 2025, Gujarat Titans have replaced Sri Lankan batsman Kusal Mendis for Jos Buttler, who will be departing for national duty on May 26.

Punjab Kings, in turn, have confirmed Kyle Jamieson in place of injured Lockie Ferguson, while Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) have replaced the injured Mayank Yadav with William O'Rourke.

Gujarat Titans have signed Kusal Mendis for ₹75 lakhs. This will be Mendis's IPL debut, and he will be expected to fill the key number three batting slot for GT, particularly if the team makes it into the playoffs. His signing will come into effect from May 26, the same day Buttler leaves the franchise.

Kyle Jamieson, the lanky New Zealand paceman, is returning to the IPL after having played for Royal Challengers Bangalore in 2021, playing nine games. Acquired by Punjab Kings at ₹2 crore, Jamieson's presence will add depth to their bowling unit along with veterans such as Arshdeep Singh, Xavier Bartlett, Marco Jansen, and Yuzvendra Chahal.

William O'Rourke has been rewarded with his maiden IPL call-up as a replacement for Mayank Yadav, who has again been ruled out through injury after making only two appearances this season for LSG. O'Rourke, with his raw pace, has been in good form for New Zealand lately and will look to provide similar firepower to the Lucknow bowling unit.

According to IPL 2025's short-term replacement rule, all three players—Mendis, Jamieson, and O'Rourke—will not be available for retention by their teams for the forthcoming season. Though Jamieson and O'Rourke will become part of Punjab Kings and LSG teams respectively with effect from now, Kusal Mendis will be a part of Gujarat Titans only once Buttler leaves for his global obligations.