Jos Buttler drops big claim, says 'IPL has been the biggest influence on my career'
Jos Buttler credits the Indian Premier League as the most significant influence on his career, highlighting invaluable lessons learned from figures like Rahul Dravid and Matthew Hayden. Despite a recent World Cup dip, Buttler approaches the IPL with consistent focus, aiming to contribute to Gujarat Titans' success. He also praised uncapped Indian pacer Ashok Sharma's potential.
Jos Buttler says the Indian Premier League has been the biggest influence on his career, with lessons and interactions from the tournament helping him deliver for England cricket team across formats. Now with the Gujarat Titans, Buttler highlighted how access to elite players and coaches has sharpened his game, pointing to interactions with Rahul Dravid and Matthew Hayden as key influences, especially against spin. “Absolutely.
As I said, the IPL has been the biggest influence on my career. The lessons I’ve learned during IPL seasons, the interactions I’ve had, and the people I’ve worked with as coaches and players have all been invaluable,” he said during a media interaction. “Some of those conversations have helped me while playing for England in Test cricket, T20 cricket, and 50-over cricket.
It’s had a huge impact. “As Kevin (Pietersen) was saying in his interview on my podcast, the opportunity to build a relationship with Rahul Dravid and work on playing spin creates chances that would otherwise be very limited. “Even now, after just a few days here, getting to talk to Matthew Hayden about batting — I probably wouldn’t get that opportunity otherwise.
So it’s had the same impact on me as it did for KP,” Buttler said. Buttler has scored 4,120 runs in 121 IPL matches at an average of 40 and a strike rate of 149. 38, including seven centuries.