‘Felt strange being on the other side’- Jos Buttler on playing former team Rajasthan Royals

Jos Buttler talked candidly about his emotions during Gujarat Titans’ first-ever match against his old team, the Rahasthan Royals, in Ahmedabad on April 10. The standout player said that being on the opposing side of the Royals felt “bit strange” throughout the game. He added, though, that he was more pressing for a victory over the Royals. Buttler welcomed his new challenge with the Titans and thought his squad played well.

It was a little odd to be on the opposing team against the Rajasthan Royals. To tell the truth, though, I was much more anxious about today’s victory. It was, in my opinion, a superb team effort. Buttler told JioHotstar, “I’m really enjoying the new challenge,” following his team’s victory by 58 runs.

The English hitter joined the Royals in 2018 after playing for the Mumbai Indians in 2016 and 2017. In 24 innings, MI’s wicketkeeper batsman amassed 527 runs at a strike rate of 145.98 and a batting average of 25.10.

His IPL history, however, changed from 2018 to 2024 when he played for RR, scoring 3055 runs in 82 innings with a strike rate of 147.80 and an average of 41.85, including seven hundreds and 18 scores of fifty or more. When the Royals lost to Buttler’s current team in the final and finished as runners-up in 2022, the T20 World Cup-winning captain also took home the Orange Cap and Player of the Tournament honours.

“I’m coming in behind two outstanding starters, which helps: The Jos Buttler

When asked if he feels comfortable in his new role as a No. 3 batsman for GT, Buttler replied that he has been batting at the position for England. Additionally, he said that having two skilled hitters front of him—Sai Sudharsan and Shubman Gill—helps. Buttler stated in his conclusion that openers assist him by taking on the challenging early part of the Powerplay overs.

“I’ve been batting at number three for England lately, so it’s nothing new to me. My position behind two outstanding openers, who often provide a solid foundation, is advantageous. They handle any swing and are allowed to enter after the ball stops moving, which is really pleasant,” Buttler continued.