Jos Buttler Credits Matthew Hayden for IPL Comeback After T20 World Cup Struggles
Buttler's Resurgence in IPL
After facing challenges during the T20 World Cup, Jos Buttler has found his form again, thanks in part to his training sessions with former Australian batsman Matthew Hayden and a brief break from cricket.
In a recent IPL match, the Gujarat Titans secured a convincing victory over the Lucknow Super Giants, bolstered by a strong bowling performance from Prasidh Krishna and solid half-centuries from Buttler and Shubman Gill.
During the post-match presentation, Buttler reflected on his time with Hayden, stating, "In one of our initial sessions, he asked how well I was watching the ball, noting that I didn’t seem to be tracking it effectively. It’s refreshing to receive straightforward advice from someone of his caliber, and he has been incredibly helpful."
Buttler expressed his enjoyment in working with Hayden, acknowledging his significant presence and the importance of listening when he speaks.
The English cricketer had a tough outing in the 2026 T20 World Cup, managing only 87 runs across eight innings, which contributed to England's early exit.
He remarked, "It’s been a while since I’ve scored runs, and it feels great to be back. I had a period away from the game to reflect, which helped me regain my focus."
Buttler emphasized the importance of refining his technique, admitting that some technical flaws had hindered his ability to see the ball clearly.
He noted, "If you’re not picking up the ball well, it makes the game challenging. I’ve concentrated on my pre-delivery routine and trusting my instincts. After 15 years in the game, I know what to do when I’m in the zone." He also mentioned that having his family around provided a welcome distraction from the pressures of cricket.
Gujarat Titans' captain Gill also shone in the match, scoring 56 runs off 40 balls, leading his team to their second consecutive win after limiting LSG to 164 runs for eight wickets.
Gill praised his bowlers, stating, "Our bowling in the powerplay was impressive, and we maintained pressure during the middle overs."
He highlighted Rashid Khan's contributions, saying, "Rashid makes my job easier with his consistent performances, always bringing us back into the game when needed."
Regarding Mohammed Siraj, Gill commented on the importance of executing simple strategies, which Siraj did effectively in this match.
He acknowledged Kagiso Rabada's efforts, noting that despite conceding runs, he maintained good length.
On the pitch conditions, Gill remarked, "It wasn’t easy to bat on, and while we may have given away some runs at the end, we would have accepted that score."
LSG captain Rishabh Pant expressed disappointment over his team's total, stating, "We didn’t score enough runs. While their bowling was commendable, we needed a total of 170 to 180 on this wicket."
Pant reflected on missed opportunities during the game, saying, "There were chances we didn’t capitalize on, but we’re not putting undue pressure on our players, especially the seniors who know how to handle these situations."