IPL 2025: Kamindu Mendis Shines as SRH’s All-Round Game-Changer
Chennai, MA Chidambaram Stadium – In a thrilling IPL 2025 encounter, Sri Lankan sensation Kamindu Mendis emerged as the complete package for Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), delivering a performance that kept their playoff hopes alive against Chennai Super Kings (CSK). Known for his record-breaking Test cricket feats, Mendis showcased why he is a prized asset with a jaw-dropping catch, ambidextrous bowling, and a composed batting display.
Let’s dive into the match-defining moments that made Mendis the talk of the town. At just 26, he has already etched his name in history as the first cricketer to score 50-plus in each of his first eight Test matches, boasting an average of 91.27, second only to the legendary Sir Donald Bradman. While his IPL auction price of Rs 75 lakh might have seemed modest, SRH clearly saw beyond the numbers, banking on his unique ability to bowl spin with both hands and contribute across all facets of the game.
The spotlight fell on Mendis early in the match with a catch that could only be described as otherworldly. In a critical moment, Mendis sprinted 11.09 meters to his left at long-on, launching himself into the air to pluck a ferocious shot from CSK’s dangerous Dewald Brevis out of thin air. Commentator Ian Bishop was left speechless, jokingly pondering which hand Mendis favored more. SRH coach Daniel Vettori hailed it as a once-in-a-career grab, noting, “To see the ball, time your dive, and execute it with such precision—it’s pure instinct.” This catch not only dismissed a key batter but also shattered CSK’s momentum.
Mendis wasn’t done stealing headlines. With the ball, he baffled the CSK batting lineup by switching between left-arm finger spin and right-arm off-break. His first two overs were miserly, conceding just six runs while snaring the prized wicket of Ravindra Jadeja. Although Brevis took 20 runs off his third over, Mendis redeemed himself with that stunning catch in the following over. Vettori, a former left-arm spinning great, praised Mendis’ control and adaptability, saying, “His ability to change pace and switch arms seamlessly is a rare skill. I didn’t fully appreciate how good he was until now.”
As if his fielding and bowling heroics weren’t enough, Mendis played a decisive role with the bat during SRH’s chase. Walking in at a precarious 90/4, with 65 runs still needed, the young Lankan displayed remarkable composure against CSK’s spinners. Employing the sweep and reverse sweep with precision against Noor Ahmad and Jadeja, he snuffed out any hope of a CSK comeback. His unbeaten 32 off 22 balls sealed the deal for SRH, underlining his maturity and versatility under pressure.
Kamindu Mendis’ all-round brilliance has not only justified SRH’s faith in him but also sparked debates about whether he could be the most valuable player of IPL 2025. With Sri Lanka’s rich history of producing versatile cricketers, Mendis seems poised to carry that legacy into the T20 arena. As SRH gears up for the next challenges, one thing is certain: all eyes will be on this dynamic star who can turn a game on its head with bat, ball, or bare hands.