MUMBAI: Jos Buttler has found this period challenging in his cricket career. Despite being one of the most dynamic batsmen in white-ball formats globally, he struggled with the responsibility of leading the England team. Following their defeat in all three games during the Champions Trophy held in February-March, he resigned from his position as captain.
Selected by Gujarat Titans during the massive auction for ₹15.75 crore, he entered the IPL 18 without being in the best mental state. Surprisingly, however, he joined this T20 tournament once more and flipped a switch to perform at his peak level.
Consistent with his history as an outstanding batsman in the IPL, where he has amassed 3748 runs at an average of 39.04 and a strike rate of 148.49, he is currently maintaining an impressive average of 83 across three games (strike rate 172.92). His recent performances include scores of 54 from 33 deliveries, 39 from 24 deliveries, and an unbeaten 73 from 39 deliveries.
Having appeared quite pressured during the Champions Trophy, Buttler is now excelling. What factors have contributed to this turnaround for him?
"Absolutely, I'm doing great. With my new team and a fresh tournament ahead, I’m clearly no longer the captain for England’s white-ball games, which means I don’t spend much time dwelling on that role or reflecting on our recent performances. It definitely wasn’t easy; we weren’t playing up to par. As a leader, anytime things aren’t going smoothly with the squad, it can weigh heavily on you. But this period has been rather enjoyable—concentrating solely on me without stressing over other matters and working hard with the bat," Buttler stated on Friday.
When he began his tenure as the England captain, things looked promising after leading the team to victory at the 2022 T20 World Cup in Australia. However, he failed to replicate this success subsequently. The 2023 ODI World Cup held in India did not meet expectations for the reigning champs, who suffered an early exit in the semifinals. Similarly, during their defense of the title at the 2024 T20 World Cup, they once more faltered in the semis stage. His decision to step down from leadership came with the conclusion of the ICC Champions Trophy, marking the end of his era as skipper.
What's the distinction between playing for a club versus representing your country?
"Clearly, it varies significantly; the Indian Premier League has distinct pressures due to its grand scale with large audiences and immense expectations, which amplifies this stress. Representing your nation brings another layer of pressure as you strive to excel when competing against top-tier international sides. Balancing these demands without letting them impact your gameplay can often prove challenging. The key lies in focusing on executing your own style of play rather than being swayed by external factors beyond your influence," explained Buttler, highlighting the intense responsibilities inherent in both capacities.
Among the pioneers who began breaking barriers and batting fearlessly across all parts of the crease were innovative players like Jos Butler. Another such trailblazer is Suryakumar Yadav. It was fascinating to observe these two exceptional run-scorers sharing insights with each other at the Narendra Modi Stadium during a practice session before the recent match between Gujarat Titans and Mumbai Indians.
“I really enjoy watching Surya bat. He has been among the top performers in this format for quite some time now. Every time I watch him at bat, his scoop shot over fine leg baffles me. I asked him more or less when he would show me how to play that stroke. Watching batters swing and seeing their training always excites me; however, that particular shot remains a mystery to me,” he stated.
Buttler has witnessed the transformation of cricket, moving from an era where only a few batsmen were renowned for their inventive stroke play, to today’s scenario where every player adopts this comprehensive approach known as the 360-degree game. Since making his international debut back in 2011 and subsequently joining the IPL, he outlined how batting techniques have evolved significantly over time.
Everybody consistently adheres to certain practices; however, some individuals act as disruptors or introduce innovations, and when these changes prove successful, others tend to imitate and replicate them. As you mentioned, with how cricket has progressed, most players have become versatile batsmen capable of scoring from anywhere on the field. People’s attitudes towards taking chances vary slightly, and what were once considered high-risk strokes are now viewed differently. They spend considerable time practicing these techniques until they master them. This transformation highlights a significant trend: an increase in the number of skilled batters who see such plays as low-risk endeavors.
Therefore, what is essential for pulling off those bold stumping shots? "The key factor is commitment. Once you decide to execute them, you must be completely dedicated."
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