Ambidextrous Wonder: Kamindu Mendis Shines on IPL Debut with Key Wicket

Sri Lankan cricketer Kamindu Mendis showcased his rare skill during his Indian Premier League (IPL) debut for SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) in their match against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, on Thursday.

Known for his ability to bowl with both arms, Mendis stunned fans by switching from left-arm orthodox to right-arm off-spin within a single over.

Despite bowling just one over, he claimed the crucial wicket of half-centurion Angkrish Raghuvanshi.

Mendis, a consistent performer for Sri Lanka, has represented his country in 12 Tests, 19 ODIs, and 23 T20Is. His ambidextrous ability was highlighted when he bowled left-arm spin to right-handed Raghuvanshi and right-arm spin to left-handed Venkatesh Iyer.

His unique talent drew praise from commentators, with former Zimbabwe cricketer Pommie Mbangwa remarking, “He bowled accurately with both arms. But it is confusing for a batter, isn’t it?”

KKR’s Strong Recovery After Early Setbacks

Batting first, defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders posted 200/6 in their 20 overs, recovering from a rocky start. The team’s opening pair, Sunil Narine and Quinton de Kock, struggled once again.

De Kock managed just one run before falling to Pat Cummins, while Narine edged to the keeper for seven off Mohammed Shami, leaving KKR at 17/2 in three overs.

Captain Ajinkya Rahane and young Angkrish Raghuvanshi steadied the innings. Rahane played with fluency, striking three sixes in his 38 off 27 balls before falling to Zeeshan Ansari.

Raghuvanshi, meanwhile, showed composure beyond his years, reaching his second IPL half-century in just 30 balls. He was eventually dismissed for 50 (32 balls, five fours, two sixes) by Kamindu Mendis.

Iyer and Rinku Launch Death-Over Assault

With both set batters dismissed at 109/4 in 13.2 overs, Venkatesh Iyer and Rinku Singh took control. Initially cautious, the duo shifted gears and launched an aggressive assault in the final overs. Iyer powered his way to 60 off 29 balls, while Rinku remained unbeaten on 32 off 17.

Rinku hammered Harshal Patel for three consecutive fours in the 17th over and dominated Pat Cummins in the 19th over with scores of 4, 6, 4, 4, 2, 1.

Their 91-run partnership off 41 balls took KKR to a strong finish, adding 91 runs in the last seven overs.

Kamindu Mendis: A Unique Debut

Kamindu Mendis became the first ambidextrous bowler in IPL history to take a wicket. In his debut over, he bowled to Raghuvanshi, Iyer, and Rinku, switching arms mid-over.

His deliveries followed a left-right pattern—first, third, and fourth with his left, and the rest with his right. He took Raghuvanshi’s wicket shortly after the batter’s half-century.

His ambidextrous style not only confused the batters but also drew attention on social media and in commentary boxes. Notably, his bowling action remains the same regardless of which arm he uses.

Commitment to Cricket

Kamindu was picked by SRH for INR 75 lakhs during the November auction. Before IPL 2025 began, he married his longtime girlfriend, Nishni.

However, he postponed their honeymoon to join the team for the tournament.

Wedding planner Pathum Gunawardana confirmed that the couple only took a short trip to Haputale, skipping an overseas honeymoon so that Mendis could start training with SRH promptly.

KKR Dominates SRH with All-Round Performance

KKR’s middle order finally clicked, with Iyer silencing critics through his brisk half-century. Raghuvanshi’s composed knock, paired with Rahane’s leadership, set the tone. After the solid 81-run partnership between Rahane and Raghuvanshi, KKR capitalized in the final overs.

SRH, in contrast, suffered early damage as KKR’s new-ball bowlers dismissed Abhishek Sharma, Travis Head, and Ishan Kishan within the first three overs.

Vaibhav Arora delivered a match-winning performance with figures of 3/29 and earned the Player of the Match title.

KKR’s spinners Varun Chakaravarthy (3/22) and Sunil Narine (1/30) ensured control during the middle overs. SRH collapsed for 120 in 16.4 overs, handing KKR a convincing 80-run victory.

A Rare Talent in Cricket

Kamindu Mendis’s debut will be remembered not just for his wicket but for introducing fans to his rare ambidextrous skill at the IPL stage.

His ability to switch arms seamlessly sets him apart in the cricketing world, drawing comparisons to players like Liam Livingstone, though Mendis bowls with both arms—a feat few have ever attempted at this level.