Kusal Mendis is a prominent Sri Lankan cricketer known for his performances as a right-handed batsman and wicketkeeper. He has been recognized for playing all forms of the game and has served as the ODI captain of Sri Lanka. Recently, he played a match-winning innings in the 2025 Asia Cup, scoring 74 runs off 52 balls against Afghanistan, helping Sri Lanka secure a comfortable victory and advancing to the Super Four stage of the tournament undefeated. Mendis has a reputation for his aggressive batting, versatility, and important contributions to Sri Lanka cricket, including multiple international centuries in Tests and ODIs.
Career Highlights
- Born on 2 February 1995, Kusal Mendis quickly rose through the ranks in Sri Lankan cricket, winning the schoolboy cricketer of the year in 2013.
- He has accumulated 14 international centuries, comprising 10 in Tests and 5 in One Day Internationals (ODIs).
- Mendis is known for his aggressive style and ability to build vital innings under pressure.
- His recent performances have helped Sri Lanka in key tournaments like the Asia Cup 2025, where he was named Player of the Match against Afghanistan.
Recent Performances and Impact
- In the 2025 Asia Cup, Mendis played a crucial role in Sri Lanka's campaign, with notable innings including his 74 runs against Afghanistan that ensured Sri Lanka's unbeaten progress to the Super Four.
- He has been pivotal in partnerships and match-winning chases, combining quick scoring with strategic pacing.
Personal and Controversial Notes
- Mendis has faced some disciplinary issues and controversies, such as a car accident in 2020 and breaches of bio-secure protocols in 2021, which led to temporary bans.
- Despite controversies, he remains a key player for Sri Lanka, continually contributing with the bat and behind the stumps.
Style and Recognition
- Mendis is known for his right-hand batting and leg-break bowling, predominantly playing as a wicketkeeper-batsman.
- He has been described as "the prince" and "next great Sri Lankan batter" among other titles, reflecting his prominence in Sri Lankan cricket.
This summary captures the current profile and cricketing status of Kusal Mendis up to September 2025, highlighting his skills, achievements, and role in recent cricket tournaments.
