Pasqual Handi Kamindu Dilanka Mendis, popularly known as Kamindu Mendis, is a professional Sri Lankan cricketer who plays for the national team in all three formats and the Colombo Cricket Club in domestic cricket.
Full Name: Sammu Kamindu Mendis
Date of Birth: September 30, 1998
Birthplace: Galle, Sri Lanka
Role: All-rounder
Batting Style: Left-handed
Bowling Style: Right-arm off-break & Left-arm orthodox
Early Life & Background
Kamindu Mendis is a versatile all-rounder from Galle, Sri Lanka. He gained significant attention early in his career for his unique ambidextrous bowling skills—he can bowl both right-arm off-spin and left-arm orthodox, a rare skill in world cricket. Kamindu showed promise from a young age, progressing through Sri Lanka’s age-group teams and making his name known on the international circuit. His rise through Sri Lanka’s cricketing ranks reflects the strong backing he received from his family during his formative years.
Domestic Career
Kamindu made his first-class debut in Sri Lankan domestic cricket in 2016 for Galle Cricket Club. His all-round abilities have made him a valuable asset to teams in all game formats. He has played for various teams in the Sri Lankan Premier League and has often stood out as a dependable player with both bat and ball.
International Career
Kamindu represented Sri Lanka in the 2016 Under-19 Cricket World Cup and the 2018 edition. His dual bowling ability was already making headlines at the U-19 level.
ODI Debut: October 23, 2018, against England
T20I Debut: October 27, 2018, against England
He was fast-tracked into the senior Sri Lankan team due to his performances at the U-19 level and in domestic cricket. Although his international career started with promise, Kamindu has faced stiff competition in the Sri Lankan squad and has yet to cement a permanent spot.
Kamindu Mendis Stats
Playing Style
Kamindu Mendis is known for his technical skills as a left-handed batsman and his ambidextrous bowling. He generally bowls off-spin with his right arm and slow left-arm orthodox with his left arm. This makes him an exciting option in limited-overs cricket, where his adaptability can prove useful. As a batsman, he is technically sound and capable of batting in various positions depending on the team’s needs.
Key Achievements
- Represented Sri Lanka in Under-19 World Cups (2016, 2018)
- He made his ODI and T20I debuts in 2018
- Notable for ambidextrous bowling, one of the few cricketers with this ability
- Kamindu Mendis waltzed to the 1000-run mark in his 13th Test innings, surpassing the Asian record held by former India batter Vinod Kambli who reached the mark in 14 innings while also equalling Don Bradman on the all-time list.
- Mendis had made headlines in the match against NZ as he recorded fifty in his eighth consecutive Test from debut, surpassing Pakistan’s Saud Shakeel.
- Sri Lanka’s Kamindu Mendis has made history by becoming the first batsman to score fifty or more in eight consecutive Test matches since his debut.
Teams
- Sri Lanka National Team
- Galle Cricket Club
- Various franchises in Sri Lankan domestic T20 leagues
Kamindu Mendis remains a player with enormous potential and is considered a prospect for Sri Lanka, especially in limited-overs cricket. His rare ambidextrous bowling and all-round skills give him a unique edge in modern cricket. (Pinterest)
