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Sri Lanka's wicketkeeper-batter Kusal Mendis delivered a match-winning performance for Peshawar Zalmi against Lahore Qalandars but he was stumped by a Pakistan journalist’s question in the post-match press conference. The journalist confronted Mendis for leaving Pakistan Super League (PSL) midway during last season due to security reasons and joining the Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Gujarat Titans (GT) as replacement player for Jos Buttler in the playoffs.
“Last year, you withdrew from PSL to play for Gujarat Titans midway due to some security concern. Now, PSL giving you respect again and they [IPL franchise] did not pick you. Will you Do you regret withdrawing from PSL [last season]?” the journalist asked.
Mendis was stunned by the question, scoffed and looked at Peshawar Zalmi media manager.
“I think you need to ask questions related to Peshawar and PSL related,” the manager said.
The reporter then argued that the question is PSL related only. It led to Mendis looking uncomfortable during the media interaction.
Mendis’ IPL debut
The 31-year-old made his IPL debut for GT, scoring 20 runs from 10 balls. He entered record books for getting hit wicket in the unsuccessful run chase off Mumbai Indians’ (MI) left-arm spinner Mitchell Santner’s bowling. It was Mendis’ only appearance in the IPL.
Mendis dazzles in Zalmi colours
Mendis represented Quetta Gladiators in the previous PSL season, scoring 143 runs from five innings at an average of 35.75 and strike rate of 168.23.
This season, he is playing for Zalmi and has already scored 241 runs from four innings at an average of 60.25 and strike rate of 172.14. Before the 74-run knock against Qalandars, he scored his maiden PSL century against Karachi Kings. He has won two consecutive 'Player of the match' awards.
Players who left PSL to play IPL
Last season, South Africa pacer Corbin Bosch left Zalmi to join Mumbai Indians (MI) as replacement for an injured Lizaad Williams. Zimbabwe's Blessing Muzaranabi left Islamabad United to join Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) as Mustafizur Rahman's replacement. Then, Dasun Shanaka left Qalandars to fill in for Sam Curran at Rajasthan Royals (RR). Australia's Spencer Johnson signed for Quetta Gladiators but pulled out. He will represent Chennai Super Kings (CSK) as Nathan Ellis' replacement.
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