Relieved of England captaincy burden, Buttler finds freedom in IPL

With the weight of the England captaincy off his shoulders, Jos Buttler is relishing the experience of batting with freedom, the Gujarat Titans player said after his match-winning knock against Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the Indian Premier League (IPL).

England failed to retain their T20 and ODI World Cup crowns with Buttler at the helm and the 34-year-old stepped down as white-ball captain in February following their group-stage exit in the Champions Trophy.

Buttler also battled inconsistency for a lengthy period but appears to have rediscovered his form since joining Gujarat and is currently the league’s third-highest scorer after two fifties in three matches.

“I was trying to play with lots of freedom, lots of intent,” he said after his 73 not out of 39 balls secured Gujarat’s eight-wicket victory against the previously unbeaten Royal Challengers Bengaluru on Wednesday.

“I had a few months of pretty unenjoyable cricket, so trying to make sure I’m out there giving my best, and obviously a new team, new franchise, and excited to be here.”

Buttler was determined to do well with the bat having dropped Bengaluru opener Phil Salt in the first over of the away match.

“I was pretty embarrassed, especially with (dropping) Salty. He’s a dangerous player,” the wicketkeeper-batsman said after Gujarat’s second win in three matches.

“I barely got a glove on it, it hit me in the chest. But due to that embarrassment, I was pretty determined to try and score some runs.”

Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals top the 10-team league both having won their first two matches.

Siraj praised for ‘fire in his belly’: Praise was heaped on Mohammed Siraj on Thursday after his match-winning spell for Gujarat Titans at his former club Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the IPL.

Siraj, who was dropped By India for the Champions Trophy, looked like a man with a point to prove to the national selectors and the RCB management as he took 3-19 on Wednesday, a venue that was his home for seven seasons.

RCB released Siraj after last season and the India fast bowler was bought by Gujarat for $1.4 million in the November auction.

Siraj has begun to justify his price tag by taking five wickets in three matches this season, bowling with pace and accuracy.

Agence France-Presse