In a thrilling display of skill and innovation, Sri Lankan all rounder Kamindu Mendis etched his name into the history books during his IPL debut for Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at the Eden Gardens . Mendis became the first bowler in IPL history to switch bowling arms mid over, delivering three balls of left arm spin followed by three of off spin .

This rare feat not only showcased his ambidextrous talent but also added a new dimension to the game, leaving fans and experts alike in awe. Let’s dive into how this extraordinary moment unfolded and why it matters.

A Historic Over at Eden Gardens

Brought into the attack for the 13th over , Mendis immediately caught everyone’s attention. Facing right hand batter Angkrish Raghuvanshi , he delivered three balls with his left arm before seamlessly switching to off spin for the remaining three deliveries.

Precision and Control: Each ball was bowled on a good length or slightly fuller , giving batters no room to free their arms.

Wicket Celebration: The fourth ball of the over brought Mendis his maiden IPL wicket, dismissing Raghuvanshi for 50 off 32 balls . A stunning catch by Harshal Patel , running in from deep third, sealed the deal.

Mendis’ ability to adapt his bowling style depending on the batter’s stance left arm spin for right handers and off spin for left-handers demonstrates his cricketing intelligence and versatility.

The Ambidextrous Marvel of Kamindu Mendis

While Mendis’ ambidextrous bowling has been a curiosity since his days in the 2016 Under 19 World Cup , this was the first time fans witnessed it on the IPL stage.

Previous Feats: At the senior international level, Mendis had already experimented with switching arms during an over in a T20I against India , where he bowled to Suryakumar Yadav and Rishabh Pant.

Left-Arm Spin Edge: His left-arm spin is marginally more effective than his off spin, which might explain why he bowled just one over in this match after Venkatesh Iyer and Rinku Singh, both left handers, came to the crease.

Why This Moment Stands Out

Legal But Rare: While switching arms during an over is legal, it’s seldom seen due to its complexity. A fastidious umpire could insist on prior notification for each switch, but Mendis seemed to follow a practical approach, always aligning his arm choice with the batter’s stance.

KKR’s Past Fascination: Interestingly, KKR’s innovative coach John Buchanan had once scouted ambidextrous bowlers back in 2009, making this clash even more ironic.

Historical Context: Ambidextrous Bowling in Cricket
Mendis isn’t the first cricketer to bowl ambidextrously at the international level. Here are some notable precedents:

Hashan Tillakaratne: The Sri Lankan legend famously bowled ambidextrously during the 1996 World Cup against Kenya.

Hanif Mohammad: The Pakistani batting great occasionally bowled left arm spin, including during Gary Sobers’ record-breaking 365 run innings in Jamaica.

However, Mendis’ achievement in the IPL a high pressure, globally watched tournament makes it even more special.

Kamindu Mendis’ First bowler to switch arms in IPL Debut – Key Highlights

✅ Expert Take: Mendis’ ambidextrous bowling adds unpredictability, making him a valuable asset in T20 cricket. His ability to adjust based on the batter’s stance is a testament to his adaptability.

Final Thoughts

Kamindu Mendis’ historic over has not only made headlines but also sparked conversations about innovation in cricket. As the IPL continues to showcase global talent, moments like these remind us why the tournament remains a breeding ground for groundbreaking performances.

Do you think ambidextrous bowlers like Mendis will become more common in the future? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Stay tuned for more updates and exciting moments from IPL 2025.