Ajantha Mendis, the former Sri Lankan cricketer, made a significant impact on the world of cricket with his unique bowling style and mysterious variations.
Known as the “mystery spinner,” Mendis quickly rose to fame and became a crucial part of the Sri Lankan national team across all formats of the game.
This article will teach Ajantha Mendis’s net worth, salary, career earnings, contract, stats, wife, career overview, and more.
Ajantha Mendis’s Biography
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Balapuwaduge Ajantha Winslow Mendis |
| Nickname | Mystery Spinner |
| Age | 39 |
| Born | March 11, 1985, in Moratuwa, Sri Lanka |
| Religion | Buddhism |
| Nationality | Sri Lankan |
| Net Worth | Estimated $1-5 million |
| Wife | Yoshini Mendis |
| Relationship Status | Married |
| Instagram Profile | @ajanthamendis |
Early Career
Ajantha Mendis’s journey in cricket began in his hometown of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka.
He developed his unique bowling style during his time in the Sri Lankan army, where he represented the Army Cricket Club.
Mendis’s exceptional performances in domestic cricket, including taking 68 wickets in just 9 matches in the 2007-08 season, caught the attention of national selectors.
Professional Career
Mendis made his international debut in 2008 and quickly became a sensation in world cricket.
His mysterious bowling style, which included the famous “carrom ball,” bamboozled even the best batsmen.
He continued to excel in limited-overs cricket, becoming the fastest bowler to reach 50 ODI wickets in just 19 matches.
Mendis’s career highlights include winning the ICC Emerging Player of the Year award in 2008 and being a part of the Sri Lankan team that won the 2014 ICC World Twenty20.
Wife
Ajantha Mendis is married to Yoshini Mendis. The couple tied the knot in 2011 and have 2 children together.
Their son, Ayan Mendis, was born in 2012 and is now 12 years old. Their daughter, Ananya Mendis, was born in 2015 and is currently 9 years old.
Ajantha Mendis’s Net Worth Details
Ajantha Mendis’s net worth is estimated to be between $1-5 million as of 2025.
Career Earnings
| Year | Team | Yearly Salary (£) | Yearly Salary (₹) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | Pune Warriors India | 378,483.35 | 38,620,750 |
| 2010 | Kolkata Knight Riders | 13,609.26 | 1,388,700 |
| 2009 | Kolkata Knight Riders | 14,441.27 | 1,473,600 |
| 2008 | Kolkata Knight Riders | 11,807.04 | 1,204,800 |
| Total | – | 418,340.92 | 42,687,850 |
Endorsements
- Cricket equipment brands.
- Sports apparel companies.
- Local Sri Lankan brands.
Career Records
| Record | Details |
|---|---|
| Fastest to 50 ODI wickets | 19 matches |
| Best bowling figures in T20Is | 6/8 vs Zimbabwe (2012) |
| Most wickets in a debut Test series | 26 wickets vs India (3 matches, 2008) |
| Best bowling figures in an Asia Cup final | 6/13 vs India (2008) |
| The only bowler to take 6 wickets in a T20I twice | 6/16 vs Australia (2011), 6/8 vs Zimbabwe (2012) |
FAQs
1. What is the “carrom ball” that Ajantha Mendis is famous for?
The carrom ball is a special delivery that Mendis popularized. It’s bowled by flicking the ball between the thumb and middle finger, similar to how a striker is flicked in the board game carrom.
2. How did Ajantha Mendis develop his unique bowling style?
Mendis developed his unique style while playing for the Sri Lankan Army team. He experimented with various grips and release points, eventually creating a repertoire of deliveries that were hard to distinguish from his bowling action.
3. What was Ajantha Mendis’s most memorable performance?
One of Mendis’s most memorable performances came in the 2008 Asia Cup final against India, where he took 6 wickets for just 13 runs, leading Sri Lanka to victory.
4. Why did Ajantha Mendis’s effectiveness decline over time?
As batsmen and analysts studied Mendis’s bowling more closely, they became better at reading his variations.
5. Did Ajantha Mendis play in any T20 leagues?
Yes, Mendis played in the Indian Premier League (IPL) for teams like Kolkata Knight Riders and Pune Warriors India. He also participated in other T20 leagues around the world.
6. What is Ajantha Mendis doing after retirement?
After retiring from cricket in 2019, Mendis has maintained a low profile. He occasionally participates in cricket-related events and legends matches but has not taken up any prominent coaching or commentary roles.
7. How did Ajantha Mendis perform in Test cricket?
In his 19 Test matches, Mendis took 70 wickets at an average of 34.77. His best bowling figures in an innings were 6/99, and his best match figures were 10/209.
8. What impact did Ajantha Mendis have on spin bowling in cricket?
Mendis’s success with unconventional spin techniques inspired many young bowlers to experiment with their bowling styles. He showed that innovation in spin bowling could be highly effective, even in the modern era of cricket.
9. Did Ajantha Mendis win any major ICC tournaments with Sri Lanka?
Yes, Mendis was part of the Sri Lankan team that won the 2014 ICC World Twenty20 tournament. This was a significant achievement in his international career.
10. How does Ajantha Mendis compare to other Sri Lankan spinners like Muttiah Muralitharan?
Mendis’s impact was significant in introducing new variations to spin bowling and briefly dominating world cricket with his mystery spin.
