Jos Buttler (PTI Photo/Swapan Mahapatra)
Jos Buttler says the Indian Premier League has had the biggest impact on his career, as the lessons and interactions he gained from the tournament have helped him offer his services to the English cricket team in various formats.Now with the Gujarat Titans, Buttler highlighted how access to elite players and coaches has improved his game, citing interactions with Rahul Dravid and Matthew Hayden as key influences, especially against spin.
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“Absolutely. As I said, the Indian Premier League has had the biggest impact on my career. The lessons I learned during the ISL seasons, the interactions I had, the people I worked with as coaches and players, were all invaluable,” he said during a media interaction.
“Some of these conversations have helped me while playing for England in Test cricket, T20 cricket and 50-over cricket. They have had a huge impact.“As Kevin (Petersen) said in his interview on my podcast, the opportunity to build a relationship with Rahul Dravid and work on playing creates opportunities that would be very limited.“So far, after just a few days here, I’ve been able to talk to Matthew Hayden about batting – I probably wouldn’t have had this opportunity otherwise.
“So he had the same effect on me as he had on KP,” Butler said.Buttler has scored 4,120 runs in 121 matches in the Indian Premier League at an average of 40 and a strike rate of 149.38, including seven centuries. He was in brilliant touch in IPL 2025, making 538 runs in 13 innings at an average of 59.8 and a strike rate of 163, forming a strong ranking with
Shubman Gill
and B. Sai Sudarsan.GT, the 2022 champion, opens IPL 2026 against Punjab Kings on March 31 in New Chandigarh.Despite the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup campaign, where he scored 87 runs in eight innings, Buttler said his mentality has not changed.“It is no more or less important than any other IPL. Regardless of what happened before, I am looking forward to the season, I want to contribute and play well.“The challenge is the same – prepare well, get a good headspace, and give yourself the best chance to perform. Whether you’re in good shape or out of form, you need the energy to keep trying, keep preparing, and put yourself ahead of the game.“I come to every IPL motivated, wanting to perform well for the team.
“I’m just trying to assess the situation and do what’s needed on the day,” he said.Regarding his struggles in the World Cup, Buttler admitted that there was no single reason and said that the time away from the game helped him reset himself.“There is a small circle of people that I turn to for advice on what they see. I did my best during the World Cup, but for a number of reasons, it didn’t work out.“You have to accept that. It’s a game with elements you can’t control, and everyone is trying to perform.“At 35 years old, I have had 15 years of highs and lows. You think and analyse, but there is no one secret. If there was a secret, everyone would have scored goals every time.He explained: “I enjoyed some time away, thought a little, and the challenge remains the same – bringing the energy to training, preparing well, and then starting from scratch on match day.”Buttler also praised uncapped player Ashok Sharma, who he faced in the nets during his time with him
Rajasthan Royals
.“It’s not just about speed. He has accuracy, a very good slower ball, and a big heart – qualities that every fast bowler needs. He has all the attributes to be an exciting prospect.”