Mendis, who managed just 20 runs off 10 balls, including a boundary and two towering sixes, had already faced a difficult evening behind the wickets
Kusal Mendis seen stepping on stumps (Pic: Screengrab/X)
In a rare mode of dismissal, Gujarat Titansā wicketkeeper-batsman Kusal Mendis inadvertently dismantled his own stumps when his foot slipped during a shot in the IPL 2025 Eliminator against Mumbai Indians at Mullanpur on Friday.
The Sri Lankan cricketerās frustration was palpable as the Titans, who seemed to be gaining momentum, were suddenly jolted back by this unusual setback.
Kusal Mendis Hit wicket
ā Himanshu Kumar (@hanumanbhakt00) May 30, 2025
Ambani power ššš#RohitSharma #MIvGT #Qualifier2 pic.twitter.com/WRAN0JSKPS
The incident unfolded in the seventh over bowled by left-arm spinner Mitchell Santner. Attempting a sweep shot, Mendis got down on one knee, but his back foot slipped beyond control and struck the stumps, triggering jubilant celebrations from the Mumbai Indians camp. This dismissal abruptly ended a crucial 64-run partnership with Sai Sudharsan, following the early loss of captain Shubman Gill in the opening over.
Mendis, who managed just 20 runs off 10 balls, including a boundary and two towering sixes, had already faced a difficult evening behind the wickets. The 30-year-old keeper had dropped two vital catches earlier in the game, proving costly for the Titans.
Earlier in the match, Rohit Sharma took full advantage of several reprieves to carve out a magnificent 81 runs off 50 deliveries. Jonny Bairstow also made a sensational impact on his Mumbai Indians debut, infusing the innings with explosive batting that helped the five-time champions post a commanding total of 228 for 5. Mumbaiās decision to bat first on a relatively drier pitch compared to the previous day proved to be a masterstroke, as their batsmen took control from the outset.
Meanwhile, Gujarat Titans were largely their own undoing. Their fielding lapses were glaring, with three crucial catches dropped, two of them off Sharma and one off Suryakumar Yadav, allowing Mumbaiās batters to add valuable runs. Coupled with a below-par bowling effort, these errors proved detrimental in this high-pressure knockout contest. Despite moments of resistance from the Titans, the team struggled to gain a foothold, and Mendisā bizarre dismissal epitomized their night of misfortune.
As the contest intensified, the Mumbai Indians capitalized on Gujaratās shortcomings, putting themselves in a commanding position to advance in the tournament. The Eliminator clash thus swung decisively in favor of the five-time champions, who now look poised to carry their momentum into the next stage.
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