Kamindu Mendis, the talented cricketer from Sri Lanka, turned heads during his IPL debut for Sunrisers Hyderabad against Kolkata Knight Riders on Thursday. Not just for taking a key wicket—but for the way he did it. Mendis showed off his rare skill: bowling with both hands, switching seamlessly between right-arm off-spin and left-arm orthodox spin—all in the same over.
Ambidextrous Magic on IPL Debut
Kamindu didn’t take long to make his mark. Bowling his very first over, he dismissed the dangerous Angkrish Raghuvanshi, who was looking well set after scoring a fluent 50 off 32 balls. Using his left-arm spin against the right-hander, Mendis created just enough variation to break the momentum and give SRH a crucial breakthrough.
Moments earlier in the same over, he bowled right-arm off-spin to left-hander Venkatesh Iyer—a truly unique sight in top-level cricket.
A Masterstroke by Sunrisers Hyderabad
Handing the ball to Kamindu at Eden Gardens turned out to be a bold but brilliant move by SRH. His adaptability gave the team a tactical edge, especially on a surface that often supports spinners.
The decision paid off handsomely as he not only picked up a wicket but also unsettled the batters with his unpredictable angles and grip.
Bowling With Both Hands – How Common Is It?
While it’s perfectly legal under cricket laws to bowl with either arm, very few bowlers in the history of the game have managed to do it effectively in a match setting. Kamindu belongs to that rare breed.
His switch-handed bowling isn’t just a novelty it’s a strategic weapon. Bowlers like him can adjust their line and spin direction depending on the batter’s dominant hand, adding an extra layer of challenge for opposition teams.
More Than Just a Bowler
What makes Mendis even more valuable is that his batting is arguably his stronger suit. Known for his steady performances in red-ball cricket, he’s scored consistently for Sri Lanka in difficult conditions. His ability to contribute with the bat gives SRH a true all-rounder—someone who can change the game with the ball and rescue an innings with the bat when required.
A Utility Player With Huge Potential
Kamindu Mendis has all the makings of a game-changing cricketer. His ambidextrous bowling might be the highlight today, but his overall cricketing IQ and versatility make him a valuable asset for the Sunrisers.
As the IPL 2025 season unfolds, SRH will no doubt be counting on him not just to trick batters with his spin, but to step up when it matters most with the bat too.
Keep an eye on this Sri Lankan star his unique skill set could be one of the most fascinating storylines of this IPL season.