Kamindu Mendis, the Sri Lankan all-rounder, has always been a unique commodity in international cricket. This is because he is one of the few ambidextrous bowlers in international cricket, who can bowl with both left and right hand equally well.
Mendis was seen bowling with both his right and left hands during the first T20I between Sri Lanka and India which was played at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Kandy. He is also a part of the playing XI in the IND vs SL 2nd ODI match being played on Sunday (August 4).
Who is Kamindu Mendis?
Mendis first came into the limelight when he played in the U19 World Cup for Sri Lanka in 2016 and bowled with both hands during the tournament that was held in Bangladesh. Mendis was 13 when his coach reportedly suggested that he bowl right-arm spin alongside the left-arm spin that came naturally to him. He was born in Galle in 1998
His first international callu-p for Sri Lanka came in 2018 when at the age of 20, Mendis was included for the England T20I match. During the match, he bowled off-breaks to the left-handed Eoin Morgan, and left-arm orthodox to the right-handed Joe Root, as he usually prefers to.
Thus far, Mendis has played three tests, seven ODIs, and eight T20Is for Sri Lanka and was part of the Sri Lanka squad for the 2024 T20 World Cup as well.