Kusal Mendis, whose full name is Balapuwaduge Kusal Gimhan Mendis, is a Sri Lankan cricketer of professional stature. He holds the position of a top-order batsman and is proficient in all formats of the game. An interesting fact is that he had only participated in sixteen first-class matches before making his debut for the national team.
In a notable achievement, Kusal Mendis was honored as the One Day International (ODI) batsman of the year for the 2016–17 season at the annual awards hosted by Sri Lanka Cricket in November 2017.
Kusal Mendis Family- Father, Mother, Siblings
Mendis’s family background reflects his journey. His father, Dinesh Mendis, worked as a carpenter, while his mother assumed the role of a housewife. Kusal holds a deep appreciation for his parents, considering them a significant source of inspiration and a driving force behind his success.
Mendis’s cricket journey has been marked by notable achievements. He was honored as the schoolboy cricketer of the year in 2013 and served as captain for both the national youth team and the Prince of Wales College, Moratuwa squads during his formative years.
His participation in domestic tournaments is also noteworthy. In March 2018, Mendis joined Dambulla’s squad for the 2017–18 Super Four Provincial Tournament, followed by his inclusion in Dambulla’s lineup for the 2018 Super Provincial One Day Tournament the next month.
In August 1998, Mendis represented Galle in the 2018 SLC T20 League, emerging as the leading run-scorer for the team with 182 runs in six matches. In March 2019, he continued to make contributions in the domestic scene, featuring in Galle’s squad for the 2019 Super Provincial One Day Tournament.
During the 2019–20 Premier League Tournament, Mendis exhibited his prowess by scoring 139 runs against Ragama Cricket Club, resulting in a resounding victory for his team by an innings and 125 runs. He further showcased his skills by achieving his maiden first-class double century against Nondescripts Cricket Club, playing an unbeaten innings that helped secure a draw. In the final match against Chilaw Marians Cricket Club, Mendis continued his impressive form by scoring another century, amassing 157 runs.
In October 2020, Mendis was drafted by the Kandy Tuskers for the inaugural edition of the Lanka Premier League, and in November 2021, he was selected to represent the Galle Gladiators in the 2021 Lanka Premier League following the players’ draft. His cricketing journey continued as he signed with the Galle Gladiators once again in July 2022 for the third edition of the Lanka Premier League.
A significant highlight in his career came on February 7, 2023, during a SA20 match against the Paarl Royals. Mendis delivered an outstanding performance, scoring 80 runs from 41 deliveries, which included 8 boundaries and four sixes. His remarkable innings played a crucial role in Pretoria Capitals’ victory by 59 runs, and Mendis earned the well-deserved player of the match award.
In July 2020, Mendis faced legal trouble following his involvement in a tragic road accident in Panadura. He was driving a vehicle that collided with an elderly cyclist, resulting in the cyclist’s unfortunate demise after hospitalization. A day following the incident, Mendis was granted bail.
On February 12, 2021, Mendis celebrated his marriage with his wife Nishell in Colombo. In June 2022, Mendis and his wife welcomed a baby girl into their family.