After a series of underwhelming performances for England, can Jos Buttler regain his top form in the IPL, following his move to Gujarat Titans? Buttler impressed with over 850 runs for Rajasthan Royals in 2022, but was released after the 2024 season. The Englishman is now set to take the gloves for the Titans.
Jos Buttler has consistently dazzled throughout his career. His explosive power, remarkable hand-eye coordination, and flexible wrists have helped him accumulate more than 11,000 runs internationally, solidifying his status as England’s greatest-ever limited-overs batter.
Buttler has hit 11 ODI centuries, two Test centuries (in a format where he never quite found his rhythm), and one T20I century. He also has seven centuries to his name in the high-profile Indian Premier League.
Virat Kohli, with eight IPL centuries, holds the record, although he has played over 100 more innings in the tournament than Buttler, the former England white-ball captain.
However, Buttler’s recent performances have been a far cry from his usual brilliance, something he’ll aim to address during this year’s IPL with Gujarat Titans, starting with their match against Punjab Kings on Tuesday.
Will Buttler Shine in the IPL After Struggles with England?
Buttler’s recent form for England has been lackluster. He has only crossed fifty twice in his last 21 ODIs dating back to September 2023. His dismal showing in the Champions Trophy campaign earlier this year, which included stepping down as captain before the final match against South Africa, only added to the concerns.
His IPL form, too, has dwindled since his sensational 2022 season with Rajasthan Royals, where he racked up 863 runs in 17 innings, including four centuries and four half-centuries.
In 2023, Buttler scored 392 runs with four fifties, and in 2024, despite two explosive centuries, he managed just two other scores over 30 in nine additional innings.
This declining form may explain why Rajasthan released him after a seven-year tenure, but his reputation led Gujarat to acquire him for £1.4m during the mega auction in November.
Gujarat Titans will be hoping they’ve bought more than just a player with past achievements, though there’s no guarantee that the runs will continue to flow.
At 35, Buttler is beginning to show signs of wear, having dealt with a calf injury recently. Time and injuries catch up with every player, especially someone who has been a constant for almost 15 years.
Buttler Set to Open and Keep Wickets for Gujarat
But there’s optimism that Buttler’s decision to step away from England’s captaincy can reinvigorate his career. With less pressure on his shoulders, he can return to doing what he excels at — scoring runs in explosive fashion, whether for club or country.
In fact, some pundits believe Buttler should bat higher up in England’s one-day international lineup, similar to his role in T20 cricket. Many felt he was misused at No. 6 during the Champions Trophy, a tournament where England struggled.
Buttler is expected to open the batting for Gujarat in the IPL, as well as take on wicketkeeping duties, potentially forming a powerful partnership with India’s Shubman Gill.
The Titans will look to recover from an underwhelming eighth-place finish last season after their victorious debut in 2022, when they defeated Buttler’s Rajasthan in the final, and a runners-up finish in 2023.
They also boast a formidable bowling lineup, including India’s Mohammed Siraj, Afghanistan’s Rashid Khan, and South Africa’s Kagiso Rabada.
Additionally, Glenn Phillips adds depth to the squad, capable of batting, bowling, and fielding with extraordinary agility, whether stopping boundaries or pulling off spectacular catches.
For England fans, though, all eyes will be on Buttler. It’s high time the nation’s greatest-ever white-ball batter returned to his best form.
