Kamindu Mendis, a talented Sri Lankan all-rounder, has made history in the Indian Premier League (IPL) by becoming the first ambidextrous bowler to pick up a wicket in the tournament.
His unique ability to bowl with both hands has captivated fans and commentators alike, making him a standout player in IPL 2025.
Background and Early Career
Born on September 30, 1998, in Galle, Sri Lanka, Mendis began his cricket journey at Richmond College.
He started bowling with both arms at the age of 13, showcasing his exceptional talent early on.
Mendis made his List A debut in 2015 and was part of Sri Lanka’s squad for the 2016 Under-19 Cricket World Cup. He later captained the Sri Lankan Under-19 team in the 2018 World Cup.
International Career
Mendis made his international debut for Sri Lanka in October 2018 in a T20I against England. He has since played in all three formats for Sri Lanka, including Tests, ODIs, and T20Is.
Mendis is known not only for his ambidextrous bowling but also for his impressive batting skills. He recently matched Don Bradman’s record by reaching 1000 Test runs in just 13 innings.
IPL Debut and Ambidextrous Bowling
Kamindu Mendis was signed by Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) for ₹75 lakh in the IPL 2025 auction.
At Eden Gardens, He debuted his IPL against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on April 3, 2025.
In his maiden appearance, Mendis bowled an over that included three balls of left-arm spin and three of right-arm off-spin, a feat never seen before in the IPL.
He picked up the wicket of Angkrish Raghuvanshi, becoming the first ambidextrous bowler to take a wicket in the tournament.
Impact and Reaction
Mendis’s ambidextrous bowling left KKR batters baffled, with commentators praising his unique skill.
His ability to switch arms mid-over adds a new dimension to SRH’s bowling strategy, allowing them to adapt to different batting styles effectively.
Despite SRH’s loss in the match, Mendis’s performance was widely appreciated, and he is expected to play a crucial role in SRH’s campaign this season.
Before joining the IPL, Mendis married his long-time girlfriend, Nishni. He cancelled his honeymoon to focus on the IPL season, demonstrating his commitment to his cricket career.
