Jos Buttler's IPL Exit: Who Will Fill His Shoes in the Playoffs?
Jos Buttler's Departure from IPL
Jos Buttler, the prominent T20 player from England, is set to depart for national duties after the Gujarat Titans complete their final three league matches. This scheduling conflict arises as the IPL playoffs coincide with England's white-ball series against the West Indies, commencing on May 29.
Currently, the Titans are in a strong position, likely to secure a top-two finish with 16 points from 11 matches. They have three remaining games against Delhi Capitals (away on May 18), Lucknow Super Giants (May 22), and Chennai Super Kings (May 25).
According to reports from ESPNCricinfo, Kusal Mendis from Sri Lanka will step in for Buttler during the playoff phase.
Other notable English players, including Moeen Ali from Kolkata Knight Riders, will also not return, alongside Jofra Archer (Rajasthan Royals) and Sam Curran and Jamie Overton (both from CSK).
In contrast, Liam Livingstone is set to rejoin RCB for the tournament's conclusion, along with Australian Tim David. Moeen Ali is reportedly dealing with an unspecified injury.
Mustafizur's Participation in Doubt
In another development, Bangladesh's left-arm seamer Mustafizur Rahman's involvement in the IPL is uncertain, despite being signed by Delhi Capitals as a replacement for Jake Fraser McGurk.
He is currently in the UAE, participating in five T20 matches against the UAE and Pakistan from May 17 to 30, and has yet to receive a No Objection Certificate from the Bangladesh Cricket Board. The commitment to international cricket remains paramount, and it will be intriguing to see if the BCB allows Mustafizur to miss international commitments.
Delhi Capitals remain optimistic that, with assistance from the BCCI, a resolution can be achieved.
Marco Jansen's Return to National Duty
Additionally, South African bowler Marco Jansen will return to the Punjab Kings after the league matches, as he prepares for the World Test Championship final against Australia. Cricket South Africa has instructed all Proteas players to report back by May 26, just a day after the originally scheduled final date. The IPL final has been postponed to June 3 due to a military conflict between India and Pakistan.