Balapuwaduge Kusal Gimhan Mendis (born 2 February 1995) is a professional Sri Lankan cricketer who plays across all formats of the game. He is a current limited-overs captain of the Sri Lanka national cricket team.
| Full name | Balapuwaduge Kusal Gimhan Mendis |
|---|---|
| Date of birth | 2 February 1995 |
| Nationality | Sri Lankan |
| Role | Cricketer (all formats) |
| National team | Sri Lanka |
| Current position | Limited-overs captain of the national team |
Mendis emerged through Sri Lanka's domestic cricket structure with relatively limited first-class exposure before earning a national call-up. He had played only sixteen first-class matches prior to representing the senior Sri Lankan side, an unusually short apprenticeship that pointed to the selectors' confidence in his batting potential.
Mendis went on to establish himself as a regular across Test, One Day International (ODI) and Twenty20 International cricket for Sri Lanka. He has since taken on leadership responsibilities, serving as the limited-overs captain of the national team.
In November 2017, Mendis was named the ODI Batsman of the Year for the 2016–17 season at Sri Lanka Cricket's annual awards, recognising his contributions to the national side in fifty-over cricket.
Mendis is regarded as one of the prominent batsmen of his generation in Sri Lankan cricket. His rapid progression from the domestic circuit to the international stage, followed by a captaincy role in the limited-overs formats, reflects his standing within the country's cricketing setup.