Jos Buttler, the former England white-ball captain, has opened up about his journey in cricket, from leading England to a T20 World Cup victory in 2022 to his recent stint with the Gujarat Titans in the IPL. In an exclusive interview with TimesofIndia.com, the 34-year-old shared insights on his career transitions, the role of data in cricket, and his aspirations to continue playing international cricket.
Buttler, who succeeded Eoin Morgan as captain in June 2022, stepped down following England’s underwhelming performances in three consecutive ICC events: the 2023 50-over World Cup, the 2024 T20 World Cup, and the 2025 Champions Trophy. Despite these setbacks, Buttler remains optimistic about his future in the sport.
Reflecting on his time with the Gujarat Titans, Buttler expressed his satisfaction with the new environment. “It’s been a really good experience. I’ve really enjoyed it. Obviously, it’s a new challenge, a new team. So, it felt like the first day of school when I arrived. But no, I’ve settled in really well. I’ve been warmly welcomed into the group. There’s an excellent vibe around the team. The leadership group of Vikram Solanki, Ashish Nehra, and Shubman Gill have created a really nice environment, and I feel very comfortable,” he said.
Throughout his career, Buttler has demonstrated remarkable adaptability, transitioning from a finisher to an opener and now batting at number three. He credits Mahela Jayawardene for giving him the opportunity to open in T20 cricket, which required him to master the powerplay. “I’ve really enjoyed batting all up and down the order. In the first half of my career, I was very much a middle-order player or finisher. Actually, I owe a huge debt to Mahela Jayawardene for giving me the chance to open in T20 cricket. I had to learn how to play the powerplay. But once I got through the powerplay, it felt like I was just batting as I used to anyway,” Buttler explained.
Discussing the role of data in cricket, Buttler acknowledged the flood of numbers but emphasized the importance of understanding their context. “Cricket is flooded with numbers, and I think there’s sometimes too much of it, or people focus on useless things that actually make no difference. But certainly, there is some value to be found in certain areas. So, I think you’ve got to know what you’re looking for and how to ask the right questions around it,” he noted.
Buttler’s unique ramp shot, often likened to a hockey flick, is a testament to his innovative approach to the game. “I did play a bit of hockey, but no, I think it’s more of just a cricket shot that’s evolved. You know, trying to, like I say, just deflect the ball to a big gap on the field,” he said.
While Buttler enjoys other sports and acknowledges the similarities in ball sports, he maintains that his cricketing techniques are primarily developed within the sport. “Not directly, I would say, but I enjoy other sports. I like watching other sports. I suppose the power-hitting stuff has some similarities with baseball. But I would say, for me, I think any ball sport, you know, with an implement, say a racket or a stick or a bat, there are natural crossovers,” he added.
Looking ahead, Buttler is hopeful about his future in international cricket. “I certainly hope so. I’ve only stepped down as captain. So yeah, I hope I can play as a player now,” he concluded.