Jos Buttler, the star England batter is optimistic that he will get his hands back on form with Gujarat Titans during the ongoing Indian Premier League 2026 season after a slow start to the year.
Buttler has endured a rough trot in 2026 by his own lofty standards. He averages only 15.27 in 11 T20 Internationals for the England cricket team albeit with a strike rate lower than 125. His IPL campaign too started on a low with scores of 38 off 33 balls against Punjab Kings and 26 off 14 balls against Rajasthan Royals.
But the seasoned wicketkeeper-batter is not perturbed and backs his preparation and mindset to set things right. Buttler said that he took a little time off after the T20 World Cup and feels mentally refreshed to go back on the field at this early stage of his career while speaking in the podcast For the Love of Cricket which he co-hosted with former England pacer Stuart Broad.
“I feel good actually. It was good to get away, put the bat down for a little while and come back concentrating on my setup,” Buttler said. “I’m just backing my game and experience, staying cool at the crease, and letting things happen naturally.”
Buttler stressed the need to live in the moment and not over-analyze previous outings. He acknowledged that players can at times develop mental barriers against certain bowlers or venues, but he is trying to consciously fight such thoughts. “Every day you start at zero. I’m just looking forward and not thinking about the past,” he said.
Encouragingly for Gujarat, Buttler’s teammate B Sai Sudharsan feels he is teetering on the edge of a big innings and is “closer than anyone else” to firing in top form.
Possibly also, Buttler has been helped by the guidance he is receiving from GT’s batting coach Matthew Hayden as he brings vast experience and a simple line of thought to his team.
With Gujarat Titans still eyeing their first win of the season, Buttler’s return could be key. Next up for the team is Delhi Capitals at Arun Jaitley Stadium, where Buttler will be expected to play an important role at No. 3, with captain Shubman Gill in addition to Sai Sudharsan.
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