The Gujarat Titans will take the field in the IPL 2025 Eliminator without one of their most reliable stars—Jos Buttler, who has returned to England for international duty. Buttler’s absence, though expected, comes as a big blow. He was central to Gujarat’s top-order dominance this season, forming a formidable trio with Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan. Across key matches, his ability to accelerate in the middle overs and finish games gave GT much-needed stability and aggression. With England’s summer fixtures beginning in early June, Buttler has flown back to join national camp, a development that GT had been preparing for. In his place, Sri Lankan wicketkeeper-batter Kusal Mendis has been brought into the XI. Mendis, though yet to feature prominently this season, brings international experience and strokeplay that could serve Gujarat well on an unfamiliar surface in Mullanpur.
GT’s warm-up sessions reflected this change—Anuj Rawat kept to the bowlers, while Kumar Kushagra, also in gloves, stood behind Rawat, suggesting a shift in roles. Correspondents on ground noted that Kusal Mendis was not sighted during warm-ups, but he is confirmed in the squad as Buttler’s replacement.Quiz: Who’s that IPL player? GT will hope Mendis can slot in seamlessly, though replacing a player of Buttler’s calibre in a high-pressure knockout game is no easy task. Alongside the absence of Kagiso Rabada, who has also left for South Africa duty, Gujarat’s depth will be tested. All eyes will now be on how Shubman Gill’s men adapt to these changes against a resurgent Mumbai Indians unit.
