Jos Buttler, the wicketkeeper-batter for the Gujarat Titans (GT) and England, spoke candidly on Friday about how his recent bad performances as captain of England during the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) have freed up a lot of his time and energy, allowing him to fully enjoy and concentrate on his game.

Buttler was doing an exclusive interview with ANI. Buttler has found freedom and relief in GT colors, where he can display his exceptional shot-making without the responsibilities of captaincy, after resigning as England’s white-ball captain after a failed T20 World Cup title defense last year (finishing in the semifinals after losing to India) and a Champions Trophy campaign without a victory this year.

With two half-centuries and a top score of 73* against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), Buttler has amassed 166 runs at an average of 83.00 and a strike rate of over 172 in three games so far. After seven very successful seasons with the bat with the Rajasthan Royals (RR), he was signed by the 2022 champions during a super auction last year for Rs 15.75 crores, making him the third-highest run scorer to date.

“Yeah, if anything, I felt very freed from all the baggage of the stress of being captain and the results that we were having,” Buttler remarked in an interview with ANI on being released from the mental baggage of recent lackluster appearances in England colors as a player and captain. As a captain, it may be disheartening and a burden on you as a leader if you are not getting the most out of your team and you are not performing well.”

“So, you know, I have a lot more time and energy now that I have relinquished the leadership. I can now concentrate on improving my batting and wicketkeeping skills as well as adjusting to a new team and other things. And the things I like outside of the game, you know? It is crucial to perform such things in order to maintain a good mental state. Additionally, I believe I can do well there, as I have in the first few games,” he said.

Buttler feels accepted and is having a great time with his squad at the new franchise. He also praised the leadership group, which included captain Shubman, head coach Ashish Nehra, and cricket director Vikram Solanki, for creating a “nice, comfortable and content” environment for the players.
“I believe that has given me a good starting position for the season. And yes, I’m feeling terrific. I also scored a few runs and helped the team win, which is fantastic,” he said.

Buttler praised Shubman’s leadership and referred to the young Indian opener as a “superstar” in his remarks.

“I’ve had some experience playing against Shubman. I don’t personally know him well. However, it’s clear that getting to know him is wonderful today. What a remarkable man. He is obviously an excellent player. much if he is already a superstar, he will become much more so.

Indeed, it is among the finest features of the IPL, in my opinion. Now that we are on the same squad, I get to see him train and practice.

Seeing men up close and how they approach their profession is always such a delight. He is also a very remarkable man. He is doing a fantastic job directing the crew. So, yes,” he said, “it’s been a terrific experience.
Additionally, the English veteran was “blown away” by Gill’s opening partner, Sudharshan. He has scored 186 runs at an average of 62.00 and a strike rate of over 157 in three games so far, including two half-centuries. He ranks second overall and is the team’s top run scorer.

“Sudharsan’s performance is outstanding. I knew he was a good player, of course. But as I said, you kind of get a new perspective when you get to see players up close, see them prepare, practice, and observe them from the other end in cooperation.

And his incredible skill as a player has really amazed me. He is also a wonderful child. He has a fantastic attitude and a positive self-perception, in my opinion. He has also been really consistent, which is really commendable in this format, in my opinion. Therefore, he has a bright future ahead of him,” he said.

Buttler called the strength of India’s batting bench “the world’s best” and described it as “frightening”.
“Indian cricket has more depth than anybody else in the international game, in my opinion. With a population of 1.5 billion, it may be expected, or whatever it is. and a nation that loves cricket.

Thus, you will generate some talented players. However, the depth and power are really terrifying. And it goes without saying that the fight for spots drives men to keep becoming better. You are aware that your national team is limited to 11 players. Therefore, all of the men are putting in a lot of effort, training a lot, and performing to be there, which is clearly creating some really amazing strength and depth,” he said.

Along with praising bowler Mohammed Siraj, who has so far found success in GT colors after transferring from Red and Gold, the wicketkeeper-batter also shook RCB with his unrelenting striking. Siraj’s “heart and passion” when bowling was praised by him.

“He has really been outstanding, hasn’t he? Evidently, he was exceptional and successfully set the tone the other night at Chinnaswamy. Did he have a catchable wicketkeeper? He would also take a wicket in his first over. But he has, in my opinion, been a really reliable performer.

His skill set is excellent. bowls with much passion and heart. Indeed, he will play a crucial role in leading us throughout the competition. Along with the various seam and spin options we have, I think he is a part of an amazing bowling assault,” he said.

At an average of 21.40 for GT, Siraj has claimed five wickets in three games so far. His best numbers of 3/19 against RCB came at his old home venue, M Chinnaswammy venue in Bengaluru.

Rashid Khan, the team’s top spinner, has been struggling in the tournament thus far, taking just one wicket in three games at an average of 112 and an economy rate of 11.20. However, Buttler backed the Afghanistan star, saying that he is not someone the team “needs to ever worry about.”

“He has hardly ever had a terrible match in his career.
For a very long time, he has been the world’s top T20 bowler. Given how successful he has been, it is obvious that someone must attempt something against him.

They are taking chances, which will increase his involvement in the game. We should never be concerned about him,” he said in closing.
On April 6, GT will take on Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in Hyderabad. GT is currently in fourth place in the standings after two victories and one defeat.