Will GT's Jos Buttler improve his modest T20 final record in IPL title clash vs RCB?
Ahmedabad, May 31
As the Gujarat Titans lock horns with defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the Indian Premier League, all eyes will be on veteran batter Jos Buttler to bring his big-match experience to the pitch.
Buttler, who has enjoyed a fine season with GT, is the most explosive out of the team's ever-reliable top-three of skipper Shubman Gill, Sai Sudharsan and him. However, the English veteran has a very modest record in T20 tournament finals.
In eight T20 final appearances, Buttler has made just 167 runs at an average of 20.67 and a strike rate of 128.46, with best score of 39.
However, Buttler faces a favourable match-up against RCB, having made 678 runs in 19 matches and innings at an average of 48.43 and a strike rate of almost 163, with two centuries and three fifties and best score of 106*.
In 16 matches this season, Buttler has scored 507 runs at an average of 39.00 and a strike rate of 157.45, with four fifties and best score of 60.
Squads:
Royal Challengers Bengaluru Squad: Venkatesh Iyer, Virat Kohli, Devdutt Padikkal, Rajat Patidar(c), Jitesh Sharma(w), Tim David, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jacob Duffy, Josh Hazlewood, Rasikh Salam Dar, Romario Shepherd, Suyash Sharma, Kanishk Chouhan, Abhinandan Singh, Jordan Cox, Philip Salt, Richard Gleeson, Swapnil Singh, Vicky Ostwal, Vihaan Malhotra, Mangesh Yadav, Satvik Deswal
Gujarat Titans Squad: Sai Sudharsan, Shubman Gill(c), Jos Buttler(w), Washington Sundar, Rahul Tewatia, Nishant Sindhu, Jason Holder, Rashid Khan, Ravisrinivasan Sai Kishore, Kagiso Rabada, Prasidh Krishna, Mohammed Siraj, Glenn Phillips, Anuj Rawat, Kumar Kushagra, Arshad Khan, Luke Wood, Connor Esterhuizen, Ishant Sharma, Jayant Yadav, Shahrukh Khan, Kulwant Khejroliya, Manav Suthar, Gurnoor Brar, Ashok Sharma.
— ANI
Reader Comments
I think people are overthinking this. Buttler has an amazing record against RCB—678 runs in 19 matches. He knows how to take them apart. The final is a different beast, but with Shubman and Sudharsan at the top, GT's batting looks solid. Rahul Tewatia and Rashid can also finish games. Let's go GT! 🏆
Honestly, I'm more worried about GT's middle order than Buttler's final record. Washington Sundar, Nishant Sindhu, and Jason Holder haven't done much this season. If the top three fail, GT could collapse badly. RCB has a strong bowling attack with Hazlewood and Bhuvi, so Buttler needs to fire or GT might be in trouble.
Jos Buttler is a legend of the game, but this stat is a bit embarrassing for someone who's played in the IPL and BBL. However, I feel he's matured a lot this season. His strike rate of 157 is fantastic, and he's been consistent. Finals are about handling pressure, and with his experience, I think he'll deliver. 😎
People are underestimating RCB's bowling. Hazlewood, Bhuvi, Josh, and Krunal Pandya—that's a solid attack. Buttler might have good stats against RCB overall, but finals are different. Remember, RCB has won the last two IPLs—they know how to win big matches. GT will need more than just Buttler to fire. 🏆
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.