Kusal Mendis found himself in an uncomfortable moment when a reporter asked whether he regretted stepping away from the Pakistan Super League in 2025 to join the Indian Premier League side Gujarat Titans. The question came during the post-match media interaction after Peshawar Zalmi delivered a dominant win over Lahore Qalandars in Karachi on Saturday.
At the press conference, the journalist also brought up that Mendis had gone unsold at the IPL auction the previous year, and pressed him on whether he felt any regret about the earlier move. Mendis initially only laughed, and the situation was quickly managed when the media handler stepped in to redirect the conversation.
Despite the awkward exchange, Mendis was the standout performer and was named Player of the Match. He played a key innings of 74 off 48 balls as Peshawar completed a 76-run triumph, a result powered by his batting and backed by disciplined bowling.
The reporter’s question was framed around his PSL decision: “Last year, Kusal, you withdrew from Pakistan Super League to play for Gujarat Titans midway through the tournament, and you cited security concerns. Now, the Pakistan Super League is giving you respect again and they did not pick you again. So, do you have any regret about withdrawing from Pakistan Super League last year?”
Mendis, who appeared caught off guard, responded with laughter before the media manager interjected, stating that only PSL-related questions would be allowed. The journalist then replied, “It is a PSL question, sir,” as the discussion continued.
After leaving PSL 2025 due to security concerns, Mendis joined Gujarat Titans as a temporary replacement for Jos Buttler and earned ₹75 lakh. He featured in the Eliminator against MI, but his side suffered defeat. In the IPL auction the following year, he went unsold, and he has since returned to the Pakistan Super League for the 2026 season.
Form has been a major theme for Mendis this campaign, with him leading the PSL 2026 run charts. He has amassed 241 runs at an average of 60.25. Against Karachi Kings, he struck 109 off 52 deliveries, underlining his current impact at the top level.
In the match against Lahore Qalandars, Peshawar set a target of 174. Lahore were then restricted to 97 all out in 17 overs, with Michael Bracewell and Sufiyan Muqeem both producing three-wicket hauls. Earlier, Peshawar made 173/7 in their 20 overs, driven by Mendis’s 74 off 48 balls that included five fours and four sixes.
Peshawar remain at the summit of the standings, having recorded four wins from five matches to collect nine points. Lahore, meanwhile, sit in sixth place with four points.
Looking back to 2025, Mendis had left Quetta Gladiators mid-season amid heightened Indo-Pak tensions, a development that disrupted both leagues. His IPL stint with Gujarat Titans ended up being brief, with him playing only one match. He also faced criticism for dropping catches during the playoff loss.
