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Why Kamindu Mendis Could Be A Game-Changer For SRH If He Plays Tonight Vs LSG?

Jatin

Kamindu Mendis in SRH training [Source: @SunRisers/x.com]Kamindu Mendis in SRH training [Source: @SunRisers/x.com]

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Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) couldn’t have asked for a better start to their IPL 2025 campaign. A 44-run win over Rajasthan Royals wasn’t just comprehensive, it was a statement.

The batting clicked, the bowlers did their job and the momentum is with them heading into Match 7 against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) at home in Hyderabad. But while everything seemed smooth sailing on the surface, there is still one piece missing in SRH's puzzle and that piece might just be Kamindu Mendis. 

Let’s take a detailed look at why including Kamindu Mendis in SRH’s Playing 11 vs LSG could be a game-changing decision.

1. SRH’s Batting Is A Ticking Time-Bomb

SRH’s top and middle order is stacked with hitters who love to swing for the fences. We are talking Travis Head, Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan, Heinrich Klaasen, and Nitish Kumar Reddy. On their day, they can blow teams out of the water. But here’s the catch, there’s no safety net.

It’s an all-or-nothing approach, and while it worked against RR, they won’t always be lucky. On a slightly sticky pitch or against a well-drilled bowling unit, things could go south quickly. That’s why Kamindu Mendis becomes a crucial addition as he brings the calm in the chaos.

A batter who can anchor the innings, rotate strike, and allow the big hitters to go berserk around him is exactly what SRH need to avoid a collapse. Every team needs that one guy who plays the sheet anchor role, Kamindu fits the bill to a tee.

2. A Two-In-One Bowler 

Now, let’s talk about what makes Kamindu a true wildcard: his bowling. Not many in world cricket can say this, but he can bowl both right-arm off-spin and left-arm orthodox.

In the Sri Lanka vs India series in July 2024, Kamindu bowled left-arm spin to Suryakumar Yadav and switched to right-arm off-break for Rishabh Pant. That’s tactical flexibility that most bowlers can only dream of.

For Pat Cummins, that’s like having two bowlers for the price of one. Whether it’s spinning the ball away from right-handers or cramping lefties for room, Kamindu gives SRH multiple match-ups with one bowling slot.

3. Form That Demands A place, Not A Bench

This isn’t just about “potential.” Kamindu has the numbers to back it up. In 2024, across formats in international cricket, he racked up 1458 runs in 38 innings at a whopping average of 47.03. That includes five hundreds and five fifties.

When a guy’s scoring that consistently at the international level, you don’t keep him warming the bench. That is like buying a Swiss Army knife and using it only to open bottles. 

SRH would be doing themselves a disservice by not using someone in red-hot form with the bat and tactical value with the ball.