Jos Buttler Faces Tough Times in T20 World Cup 2026
Buttler's Struggles in the Tournament
Jos Buttler's performance in the T20 World Cup 2026 has sparked significant discussion, as the England captain is currently experiencing one of the most challenging phases of his career. After participating in six matches, he has accumulated only 62 runs, averaging a mere 10.33, which raises alarms for both the England team and his IPL franchise, Gujarat Titans.
Initial Promise Followed by Decline
Buttler's tournament began on a positive note, with scores of 26 against Nepal and 21 against the West Indies, both at a strike rate exceeding 150. However, his performance has since deteriorated drastically, with only 13 runs in his last three innings. His recent outing against Sri Lanka, where he managed just 7 runs off 14 balls, has been labeled as one of his poorest performances on the international stage.
Disappointing Dismissal Against Pakistan
During the match against Pakistan in Pallekele, Buttler appeared unsettled right from the beginning. After narrowly escaping a dismissal on his first ball, he was out just two deliveries later. Shaheen Shah Afridi bowled a length delivery outside off, which Buttler edged to the wicketkeeper, marking a disappointing end to his innings and reflecting his ongoing struggles.
Historical Context of Buttler's Performance
With only 62 runs across six innings, Buttler now holds one of the lowest averages for an opener in T20 World Cup history. The only players with worse averages are Soumya Sarkar (9.60 in 2016) and Wessly Madhevere (9.80 in 2022).
Impact on Gujarat Titans
Buttler's current slump is not only detrimental to England's chances of advancing to the Super 8 but also raises concerns for the Gujarat Titans. In IPL 2025, he played a pivotal role in their playoff journey, forming a strong batting trio with Sai Sudharsan and Shubman Gill. The Titans' batting heavily relied on this trio, with no other player surpassing 300 runs. Sherfane Rutherford, their next best batter with 291 runs, has since been traded to Mumbai Indians. Buttler's impressive tally of 538 runs at a strike rate of 163.03 was vital, as he served both as an anchor and an aggressor.
Future Implications for the Team
While the Titans have brought Tom Banton into their lineup, the batting core still hinges on Sudharsan, Gill, and Buttler. Should Buttler's poor form persist, it could jeopardize the team's overall strategy. His ability to score rapidly while maintaining consistency was crucial to their success in the previous season. England will be hoping for Buttler to regain his form before the knockout rounds, but the Gujarat Titans will also be monitoring his performance closely, as his struggles in international cricket may affect his IPL contributions, leaving the team vulnerable.