Jos Buttler has struggled in 2026, particularly in T20 internationals. His T20 World Cup 2026 performance was below par, scoring just 87 runs in eight innings. Overall, he has accumulated 168 runs in 11 T20Is this year, averaging 15.27 with a strike rate under 125.
Despite this, Buttler is aiming for a comeback in the IPL with Gujarat Titans, relying on his experience and skills. He had a strong debut season with GT, scoring 538 runs in 14 matches. This season, he has started with scores of 38 off 33 balls against Punjab Kings and 26 off 14 against Rajasthan Royals.
Speaking on the For the Love of Cricket podcast with Stuart Broad, Buttler said the break after the T20 World Cup has been beneficial. He is concentrating on his technique and preparation to ensure he is well positioned at the point of ball release.
“I feel good actually. Feel good with the break after the [T20] World Cup, just get to put the bat down and have some space. Basically, just focusing on myself, and on my set-up and making sure when the ball is released I am in a good position – which I do,” Buttler said.
He added that he wants to convert good starts into match-winning innings. “And then just trusting my game, trusting my experience, and trying to let it happen. I’ve got in some good positions, like getting in with a couple of starts. You always want to go on and make those match-winning contributions, but it’s nice to be feeling calm in the middle and in a good space. Hopefully that can keep that going,” he said.
‘NO MENTAL BLOCKS’
Buttler emphasised the importance of staying focused on the present rather than past performances. He is careful to avoid mental blocks related to specific bowlers or venues.
“Every day you start on nought and that’s kind of where I’ve been looking at,” Buttler explained. “Just looking forward, not thinking of the past, looking forward to the games, and just trying to be measured and not reading too much into past successes or past failures.
“Sometimes you can – and I have certainly done it at times – get sort of a mental block against a certain bowler or a certain venue, and say ‘this doesn’t work for me, this ground.’ Or ‘why can’t I score runs at any ground’ or that kind of mentality. I’m trying to be really distant from that,” he added.
Gujarat Titans have lost their opening two matches and will look to recover when they face Delhi Capitals on 8 April.
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