How Jos Buttler would fare against the team he played for the last seven seasons with distinction was going to be one of the sub-plots in Wednesday’s IPL encounter.
He did alright, scoring 36 and sharing an 80-run partnership for the second wicket with B. Sai Sudharshan, which laid the foundation for Gujarat Titans’ 58-run victory against Rajasthan Royals at the Narendra Modi Stadium. That was the Titans’ fourth win on the trot and it took them to the top of the table.
The England heavyweight has indeed been a welcome addition to GT. He has done his bit in making the franchise top heavy. So heavy, the top three — skipper Shubman Gill being the other — has rolled over the opposition with ease and consistency.
Buttler, who used to open for Royals, has settled nicely into the one-drop slot for GT, with scores of 54, 39 and 73 not out. Assistant coach Parthiv Patel said it was indeed the plan when he was acquired at the auction.
“That he would bat at number,” the former India wicketkeeper said. “Though he wasn’t keeping for England, he was going to do it for us. He has been one of the best players of white-ball cricket in recent years; it is good to see he is enjoying his cricket and delivering for us.”
Parthiv praised the bowlers, too. “Siraj is bowling well and Prasidh Krishna has been phenomenal,” he said. “Sai Kishore has been the best spinner in the tournament so far.”
Published - April 10, 2025 06:25 pm IST
