Kusal Mendis & Taijul Islam: Profiles of Two Modern-Day Cricket Warriors

🔥 Introduction

In the ever-evolving world of international cricket, Kusal Mendis from Sri Lanka and Taijul Islam from Bangladesh have carved their names through performances rooted in talent, discipline, and passion for the game. Though vastly different in style — one an aggressive wicket-keeper batter and the other a classic left-arm spinner — both have made irreplaceable contributions to their national teams.

This article explores the lives, careers, and achievements of these two international cricketers in depth.

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🇱🇰 Kusal Mendis: Sri Lanka’s Dependable Run Machine

📅 Early Life and Background

• Full Name: Balapuwaduge Kusal Gimhan Mendis

• Date of Birth: February 2, 1995

• Birthplace: Moratuwa, Sri Lanka

• Role: Top-order batter and occasional wicket-keeper

• Batting Style: Right-handed

Kusal Mendis emerged as a prodigy through Sri Lanka’s U-19 setup. He captained the U-19 national team and was named Schoolboy Cricketer of the Year in 2013 — a prestigious award previously won by stars like Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene.

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🏏 International Career

➤ Test Career

• Debut: October 22, 2015, vs West Indies

• Matches: 72 (as of 2025)

• Runs: 4,668+

• Average: ~36.75

• Highest Score: 245 vs Ireland (2023)

• Centuries: 10

• Notable Feat: First Sri Lankan to score a double century in the fourth innings.

➤ ODIs

• Matches: 143

• Runs: 4,429

• Average: ~34.6

• Highest Score: 143 vs New Zealand

• ODI World Cup 2023: One of the top scorers for Sri Lanka with aggressive intent at No. 3

➤ T20Is

• Matches: 78

• Runs: 1,920

• Strike Rate: 131.7

• Top Score: 86 vs Bangladesh

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💥 Noteworthy Achievements

• Fastest Sri Lankan to 1,000 ODI runs

• Played a match-winning knock of 122 off 77 balls against Pakistan during Asia Cup 2023

• Captained Sri Lanka in ODIs during the 2023 World Cup

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⚖️ Controversies and Comebacks

Kusal Mendis faced personal setbacks:

• Involved in a road accident in 2020 resulting in a fatality.

• Suspended in 2021 for bio-bubble breach in England alongside two teammates.

Despite these incidents, Mendis made a solid comeback, regained public trust, and continues to lead from the front.

👉 Related Read: Toughest phases of Sri Lankan cricket history

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🇧🇩 Taijul Islam: The Silent Wicket-Taker of Bangladesh

📅 Early Life and Background

• Full Name: Taijul Islam

• Date of Birth: February 7, 1992

• Birthplace: Natore, Rajshahi, Bangladesh

• Role: Left-arm orthodox spinner

• Batting Style: Left-handed

A product of Bangladesh’s first-class system, Taijul rose to prominence with consistency and an ability to deliver on home soil. His cool temperament and classic spin technique made him a key player in Bangladesh’s Test success.

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🏏 International Career

➤ Test Career

• Debut: September 5, 2014, vs West Indies

• Matches: 54

• Wickets: 232

• Average: 31.43

• Best Bowling: 8/39 vs Zimbabwe

• Five-Wicket Hauls: 16

• Ten-Wicket Hauls: 2

Taijul’s 8/39 is the best bowling figures by a Bangladeshi spinner in Tests.

➤ ODI Career

• Debut: December 1, 2014, vs Zimbabwe

• Matches: 20

• Wickets: 31

• Best: 5/28

• Historic Feat: First bowler in history to take a hat-trick on ODI debut.

➤ T20Is

• Only 2 appearances, with 1 wicket to his name — still remains a red-ball specialist.

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🌟 Career Highlights

• Took 11 wickets in a Test against Pakistan in 2023

• Played a pivotal role in Bangladesh’s win over New Zealand in Mirpur with 7 wickets

• Often outshines senior bowlers like Mehidy Hasan and Shakib Al Hasan in home Tests

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🧠 Style of Play & Comparison

🧤 Kusal Mendis

• Aggressive shot-maker

• Strong square of the wicket

• Effective against both pace and spin

• Ideal in middle overs in ODIs

🎯 Taijul Islam

• Classic left-arm orthodox bowler

• Uses loop and subtle variation

• Relies on line and pressure rather than pace or big spin

• Most effective on turning tracks

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📊 Comparative Table

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🌍 Global Recognition

Kusal Mendis is considered one of the top 3-format players in South Asia. Taijul Islam, although quieter on the media front, is regularly praised for consistency and match-winning spells.

According to ESPNcricinfo, Taijul is one of the most underrated bowlers in world cricket today.

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🔮 Future Outlook

🔸 Kusal Mendis

• Needs to build consistency and leadership credibility

• Likely to remain in top-3 positions for Sri Lanka till 2027

• Could be crucial in Sri Lanka’s revival in ICC tournaments

🔸 Taijul Islam

• Can cross 300 Test wickets within next 3 years

• Bangladesh’s most reliable spin option on home soil

• Should be used more in away Tests for balance and variation

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📝 Conclusion

Kusal Mendis and Taijul Islam are pillars of their respective cricketing nations — one an aggressive batter with flair and fire, the other a silent spinner whose performance often flies under the radar.

They represent the evolving face of cricket in the subcontinent, carrying hopes and expectations of millions.

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🌐 External Link

For live stats, ICC rankings, and upcoming match schedules, visit ESPNcricinfo’s Player Pages