The Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) made a significant acquisition in the IPL 2025 auction by signing Sri Lankan all-rounder Kamindu Mendis for INR 75 lakh. Mendis, who with his ambidextrous bowling and strong batting skills gets SRH fans excited, is in no doubt about his importance to the team's success in the ongoing campaign.

Who is Kamindu Mendis?

Kamindu Mendis, 26, is one of the rare cricketers, who can bowl with either arm. He can also deliver his overs with both right-arm off-spin and left-arm orthodox spin. His ability to transform the match with his unique style of play is a key role in T20 cricket. During the referred period, and playing as a southpaw batter, Mendis was very consistent not only in the national but also in the international cricket arena. At that time, he had played eight Test matches resulting in five centuries and four half-centuries with a magnificent batting average of 91.27 by the end of September 2024.

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Record-Breaking Achievements of Kamindu Mendis

Hitting 1,049 runs at a batting average of 74.92, he received the ICC Men's Emerging Cricketer of the Year award in January 2025 because of his extraordinary performances in 2024. Four fifties and five tons were elements of that big figure that made him reach the heights. His form was so outstanding that he equalled the great Don Bradman's record of getting 1,000 runs in as few as 13 innings only.

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Kamindu Mendis you Beauty 🔥pic.twitter.com/P31CTctvps

— ORANGE ARMY (@SUNRISERSU) April 3, 2025

Achievements

The elegant left hand batter debuted in 2018 and played in the 2021 and 2024 ICC Men's T20 World Cups before, apart from other events, hence the 24-year-old all-rounder has quite the experience at the highest level. His presence in the middle order adds depth to the batting lineup at the Sunrisers Hyderabad where that spot was weak in the past, besides providing some extra bowling options as well.

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Having the dynamic star Mendis in their ranks, SRH have got a player who can mesmerize the fans and frighten the opponents at the same time. Hence, SRH has resorted to the inclusion of this multifaceted player to increase their chances of winning the 2025 IPL.

Sunrisers Hyderabad will lock horns against Delhi Capitals today at the ACA VDCA International Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam. SRH, one of the potential contenders to uplift the IPL 2025, was unable to maintain their momentum in the second game of the season, which was against Lucknow Super Giants. In this match, the middle order of the Hyderabad franchise looked uncomfortable in front of LSG bowlers.

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 Hyderabad needs to get back on the winning track to boost their confidence and ranking on the points table. Before the Delhi Capitals match, SRH shared a post about the Sri Lankan new rising star Kamindu Mendis, who was entitled the best emerging player for his stellar performance throughout 2024. Mendis, 26, with multiple test centuries, is yet to find his way to the SRH playing XI. But who can be replaced by Mendis, and what does Mendis offer to the team?

That flick of the wrists 🤌

Kamindu Mendis | #PlayWithFire | #TATAIPL2025 pic.twitter.com/mKwlGpRlzm

— SunRisers Hyderabad (@SunRisers) March 29, 2025

The Sri Lankan batter, mainly known for his test batting skills, has to prove himself in the shortest format of the game. He played T20 international for his country with a batting average of a little over 19 in 23 matches at a strike rate of 122.5. In the ODI format, his batting average is 27. So what can he offer to Sunrisers Hyderabad in case he gets his ticket to play an IPL match? Hyderabad, lacking no firepower in their batting lineup, needs someone who can hold one end of the wicket and play an anchor role. The left-handed batter has the potential to do this.

Who can be replaced by Mendis? It'll be a tough call for the management if they think about a reshuffle in the playing XI. As for now, only Abhinav Manohar is looking like a potential option to be replaced by Kamindu Mendis. Manohar scored only 0 and 2, respectively, in the first two matches. SRH has failed their team with three foreign players—Travis Head, Heinrich Klaasen, and Pat Cummins so far—and Adam Zampa as an impact player. As per IPL rules, every team can decorate their team with four overseas players.

Travis Head Wicket Celebration on Feb 6, 2025: AUSTRALIA VS SRI LANKA

Match details

•   Venue: Galle international stadium
•  Date: 6th to 10th february 2025
•  Series: Australia tour of Sri Lanka

The second Test match on February 6, 2025, between Australia and Sri Lanka in Galle, all-rounder Travis Head of Australia was the 'Man of the Moment' as he celebrated a wicket caught by Steve Smith at slip of Sri Lankan batsman Kamindu Mendis behind, which seemed to be phenomenal for the viewers and commentators watching the game. This light-hearted gesture was a humorous nod to his occasional but effective contributions as a part-time bowler, acknowledging those rare moments when he steps up to provide key breakthroughs for his team.

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This wasn’t just a one-off incident. It reminded fans of another quirky celebration during a Test match against India in December 2024. After taking the wicket of Rishabh Pant, Head made a curious gesture: he formed a circle with one hand and playfully inserted his index finger from the other hand into it.Though he isn't a regular bowler, he has given key breakthroughs when needed. More than scoring runs or taking wickets, it was all about enjoying the moment, be it with the bat, ball, or even in a memorable celebration, which kept the crowd entertained.

The wicket celebration from Travis Head. 😄 pic.twitter.com/vuMw5FSCe9

— Praveen kumar (@Naninaidu98) February 6, 2025

Travis Head's style of celebration on wickets reminds everyone that cricket is more than just a game of skill, strategy, and competition; it is also about fun, excitement, and personality. His celebrations are unique and entertaining, and players can have a good time and perform at their best. Humor and energy plus reactions keep the mood light on the field, which may help ease pressure during the long, tense match. In addition, the playful approach of Head serves to strengthen team spirit. Indeed, such moments will add laughter and, consequently, camaraderie among the teammates.

Kamindu Mendis Named ICC Men's Emerging Cricketer of the Year

Sri Lanka's star Player, Kamindu Mendis, has been honored with the prestigious ICC Men's Emerging Cricketer of the Year award after an exceptional 2024 campaign. Mendis demonstrated his class across all formats, accumulating a remarkable 1451 runs at an average exceeding 50. 

Mendis had an unforgettable year in Test cricket, making headlines by becoming the joint-third fastest player to score 1000 Test runs, a milestone he shares with the legendary Sir Don Bradman. It took him just 13 innings to achieve this incredible feat. By the end of the year, he had amassed 1049 runs in nine matches, maintaining a stunning average of 74.92. With five centuries and three half-centuries to his name.

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A prolific run-scorer, who scored 1451 runs across formats at an average of just above 50 💥

Sri Lanka's star on the rise has taken out the ICC Emerging Men's Cricketer of the Year Award 🇱🇰 pic.twitter.com/qIrRy5Kpif

— ICC (@ICC) January 26, 2025

He emerged as Sri Lanka's top scorer during their tour of England. His contributions were pivotal in Sri Lanka's historic first Test victory in England in a decade, reinforcing his reputation as a Best performer on the global stage. As he continues to evolve, Sri Lanka will look to him as a crucial figure in their future successes.