One day, a young boy from Moratuwa is practicing his shots behind the stumps, and the next, he’s representing his nation on the world’s biggest stages. That’s exactly what happened with Kusal Mendis – a name that’s become synonymous with Sri Lankan cricket.
Born on February 2, 1995, in the bustling city of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka, Balapuwaduge Kusal Gimhan Mendis has created a reputation that extends far beyond his homeland’s shores.
Biography
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Balapuwaduge Kusal Gimhan Mendis |
| Date of Birth | February 2, 1995 |
| Age | 30 years |
| Height | 5 feet 7 inches (173 cm) |
| Birthplace | Moratuwa, Sri Lanka |
| Batting Style | Right-handed |
| Bowling Style | Right-arm leg break |
| Role | Wicket-keeper-batsman |
| Jersey Number | 13 (ODI & T20I) |
| Test Cap Number | 132 |
| ODI Cap Number | 170 |
| T20I Cap Number | 66 |
| Spouse | Nishelle Fernando |
Physical Attributes
Kusal Mendis stands 5 feet 7 inches (173 cm) tall. He is 30 years old as of 2025. Kusal was born on February 2, 1995 in Moratuwa, Sri Lanka. He may not have a towering physical figure but he sure knows how to hit towering sixes.
Education and Early Cricket Journey
Before the international spotlight found him, Kusal Mendis was honing his skills at Prince of Wales College, Moratuwa. This is where the magic began. In 2013, he was adjudged as the schoolboy cricketer of the year – a recognition that would prove prophetic.
It was where he learned the fundamentals of leadership. Captaining both the national youth team and his college team, Mendis developed the mental fortitude that would serve him well in international cricket.
Similar: Quinton de Kock Biography
International Debuts
Test Debut
On October 22, 2015, against the West Indies, Mendis earned his Test cap number 132.
ODI and T20I Debuts
His ODI debut came on June 16, 2016, against Ireland, earning him cap number 170. The limited-overs format seemed tailor-made for his aggressive batting style and sharp wicket-keeping skills.
The T20I debut on July 8, 2016, against England marked his entry into cricket’s most explosive format. With cap number 66, Mendis brought a fresh energy to Sri Lankan cricket that had been missing for years.
Jersey Number 13
In both ODIs and T20Is, Kusal Mendis proudly wears jersey number 13. While some consider 13 unlucky, Mendis has turned it into his lucky charm. The choice of number 13 speaks to Mendis’ character – he’s not superstitious, he’s practical. He makes his own luck through hard work and dedication.
Career Statistics
| Format | Matches | Runs | Average | Strike Rate | Centuries | Fifties | Catches | Stumpings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tests | 73 | 4,757 | 36.87 | 58.61 | 10 | 22 | 114 | 4 |
| ODIs | 146 | 4,654 | 35.52 | 88.41 | 6 | 34 | 99 | 13 |
| T20Is | 80 | 2,001 | 25.98 | 132.16 | 0 | 16 | 33 | 13 |
IPL Salary
The Indian Premier League has always been cricket’s ultimate test for international players. In 2025, Kusal Mendis finally got his chance with the Gujarat Titans.
His IPL salary of ₹75 lakh might seem modest compared to some marquee signings, but it represents something bigger – recognition of his talent by one of cricket’s most successful franchises. He was brought in as a replacement for Jos Buttler, which speaks volumes about his reputation.
Domestic & Franchise Cricket Journey
- Bloomfield C&AC (2015-2017): Where it all began
- Colombo Cricket Club (2017-present): His current home base
- Kandy Tuskers (2020): Lanka Premier League stint
- Galle Gladiators (2021): Continued LPL excellence
- Comilla Victorians (2022): Bangladesh Premier League
- Dambulla Aura (2022-present): LPL consistency
- Pretoria Capitals (2023): South African league experience
- Chattogram Challengers (2024): Another BPL opportunity
- Quetta Gladiators (2025): Pakistan Super League debut
Similar: Rishabh Pant Biography
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is Kusal Mendis’ height and age?
Kusal Mendis stands 5 feet 7 inches tall and is currently 30 years old, born on February 2, 1995.
Q2: When did Kusal Mendis make his international debut?
He made his Test debut on October 22, 2015, against the West Indies, his ODI debut on June 16, 2016, against Ireland, and his T20I debut on July 8, 2016, against England.
Q3: What is Kusal Mendis’ jersey number?
He wears jersey number 13 in both ODIs and T20Is.
Q4: What are Kusal Mendis’ career statistics?
In Tests: 4,757 runs in 73 matches at 36.87 average. In ODIs: 4,654 runs in 146 matches at 35.52 average. In T20Is: 1,920 runs in 78 matches at 25.60 average.
Q5: How much was Kusal Mendis’ IPL 2025 salary?
He earned ₹75 lakh playing for Gujarat Titans in IPL 2025.
Q6: Where did Kusal Mendis complete his education?
He completed his education at Prince of Wales College, Moratuwa, where he also captained the cricket team.
Q7: Which teams has Kusal Mendis played for domestically?
He has played for Bloomfield C&AC, Colombo Cricket Club, Kandy Tuskers, Galle Gladiators, Comilla Victorians, Dambulla Aura, Pretoria Capitals, Chattogram Challengers, Quetta Gladiators, and Gujarat Titans.