Kamindu Mendis: The Ambidextrous SRH Bowler Who Skipped His Honeymoon for IPL 2025

A Star is Born in IPL 2025

What happens when a cricketer cancels his honeymoon for the biggest T20 league in the world? He makes history.

Sunrisers Hyderabad's newest recruit, Kamindu Mendis, did just that. The Sri Lankan all-rounder stunned fans and commentators alike by bowling with both arms in a single over during SRH's clash against defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders at Eden Gardens.

Not only did Mendis pull off the rare ambidextrous bowling feat, but he also became the first bowler in IPL history to take a wicket using both left-arm and right-arm spin.

This isn’t just a new trick—it’s a game-changer.

Kamindu Mendis: The Ambidextrous Magician of SRH

One Over. Two Arms. One Historic Wicket.

It was the 8th over of KKR’s innings. Kamindu Mendis, playing his maiden IPL match, took the ball.

First, he bowled left-arm orthodox spin to Angkrish Raghuvanshi.

Then, he switched and bowled right-arm off-spin to Venkatesh Iyer.

In the same over, he dismissed Raghuvanshi just after the KKR youngster completed his half-century.

Commentators were stunned. Former Zimbabwe cricketer Pommie Mbangwa couldn’t hold back his excitement:

"He bowled accurately with both arms. But it is confusing for a batter, isn’t it?"

Imagine facing a bowler who can completely change angles, variations, and spin directions at will. Mendis just made life a nightmare for batters in IPL 2025.

Sacrificing Honeymoon for IPL: Kamindu Mendis’ Dedication

Most newlyweds take time off to celebrate. Kamindu Mendis did the opposite.

The Sri Lankan all-rounder tied the knot with his long-time girlfriend, Nishni, just weeks before IPL 2025. But instead of a luxurious overseas honeymoon, he had a bigger commitment:

🔹 He postponed his honeymoon to travel to India and join Sunrisers Hyderabad.

🔹 His wedding planner, Pathum Gunawardana, confirmed that Mendis and his wife only had a short getaway at Haputale before he began training.

For Kamindu, IPL was the priority.

And after his debut performance, that sacrifice is already paying off.

KKR vs SRH: How the Match Unfolded

While Mendis' historic over stole the spotlight, the match itself was a high-scoring thriller.

KKR Bat First, Post 200/6

🔹 Quinton de Kock (1) and Sunil Narine (7) failed early, continuing KKR’s opening struggles.

🔹 Venkatesh Iyer (50 off 25 balls) silenced critics with a blazing half-century.

🔹 Angkrish Raghuvanshi (54 off 40 balls) anchored the innings before falling to Mendis.

🔹 Ajinkya Rahane and Raghuvanshi added 81 runs to stabilize KKR’s innings.

Final total: 200/6 in 20 overs.

SRH’s Response

With a 201-run target on the board, all eyes were on Hyderabad’s chase. Would they pull off a stunning win?

More importantly, would Kamindu Mendis get another chance to showcase his ambidextrous magic?

Kamindu Mendis: The Future of T20 Spin Bowling?

Ambidextrous bowling is a rare skill. But Kamindu Mendis has shown it’s more than a novelty—it’s a weapon.

💡 Why This Matters for IPL 2025:

✅ Matchups become unpredictable – Right-handed and left-handed batters struggle to read him.

✅ He offers incredible flexibility – Can adjust to different pitch conditions instantly.

✅ A captain’s dream option – Imagine a bowler who can change angles at will, mid-over.

For SRH, they may have just unearthed a tactical genius.

A Star in the Making

Kamindu Mendis isn’t just another cricketer—he’s an innovator.

He made history in his very first IPL match.

He left batters confused and commentators awestruck.

He sacrificed his honeymoon for this moment—and delivered.

If this is just the beginning, imagine what he could do by the end of IPL 2025.

One thing is certain: The Kamindu Mendis era has begun. 🚀🔥