Jos Buttler, the former England captain and one of the most dynamic batsmen in international cricket, has expressed his desire to make a comeback to the national team after a difficult outing in the recent Twenty20 World Cup. The 35-year-old wicketkeeper-batsman took a short break from the sport following England’s semi-final loss to India, reflecting on his performance and looking ahead to future opportunities with renewed determination.
Throughout the tournament, Buttler struggled to find his usual rhythm, accumulating just 87 runs across eight matches. This was a stark contrast to his previous exploits, as he has managed only a single half-century in his last four ICC events. Despite these setbacks, Buttler remains optimistic about reclaiming his spot in the England squad, particularly with the upcoming white-ball series against India scheduled for July on home soil. However, he acknowledges that final selection decisions rest with the team management and selectors, beyond his control.
Speaking candidly on his podcast, For the Love of Cricket, Buttler admitted that the World Cup was a personal disappointment but emphasized that he has delivered some of the best cricket of his career in recent years. He is hopeful that with hard work and focus, he can return to his peak form and contribute significantly to England’s future campaigns. Having stepped down from captaincy, Buttler also noted that he no longer influences team selection, adopting a more patient outlook on his international career.
Following the tournament, Buttler took some much-needed time off, spending several days with his family in France. He described this period as a welcome escape from the pressures of professional cricket, where the game was the last thing on his mind. This break allowed him to recharge mentally and physically, which he believes is essential for any athlete aiming to perform consistently at the highest level.
Meanwhile, questions have been circulating about the future of England’s head coach, Brendon McCullum, especially after the team’s disappointing 4-1 Ashes series defeat in Australia and their exit from the World Cup. Despite the speculation, Buttler voiced strong support for the current leadership group, including T20 captain Harry Brook. He praised Brook’s resilience and leadership qualities, highlighting how the young captain has handled both on-field challenges and off-field distractions with maturity during his first ICC tournament in charge.
Looking ahead, Buttler expressed hope that England cricket will continue to back McCullum, Brook, and the rest of the leadership team as they work towards rebuilding and progressing. His confidence in the team’s direction underscores his commitment to being part of that journey, whether as a player or a senior figure within the squad.
In the immediate future, Buttler is set to travel to India to join the Gujarat Titans franchise ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) season, which kicks off on March 28. This opportunity will provide him with valuable match practice and a chance to regain form in one of the world’s most competitive T20 leagues, further bolstering his case for a return to international cricket.
