Rajasthan Royals (RR) opener Jos Buttler expressed joy after overcoming a period of poor form to score a match-winning century against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in Jaipur on Saturday, April 6. Despite RR’s unbeaten streak, the 33-year-old had managed only 35 runs in the first three games of IPL 2024.
However, Buttler displayed determination from the outset, reaching an unbeaten 100 off 58 balls to guide RR to victory, chasing 184 with five balls to spare and securing their fourth consecutive win.
In a video posted by the IPL official Twitter account, Buttler conversed with RR captain Sanju Samson in a post-match discussion and remarked:
“Feeling good. Sometimes in cricket, you can get inside your head too much and think too much. Both of us ( himself and Sanju) have actually been ill so maybe we were thinking more about that than batting, which is good.”
“But I have played for Rajasthan for a long time, lots of ‘real’ support and it’s great when everyone is wishing you to do well. Really happy to contribute to the team and keep the good start we’ve had to the season going.”
Batting at 94 with the scores tied, Buttler hit the ball just beyond the boundary to reach his century, prompting celebrations from non-striker Shimron Hetmyer.
“Think Hetty’s ( Hetmyer) celebration was better than the shot. He actually told me to go across my stumps and hit it over there as you’ve to hit a six. But some good bats probably took that over the fence. I was running and wishing and wishing it would get over.”
“However long you’ve played the game it always keeps challenging you and testing your mind. Sometimes there is no real reason why your form comes back and I feel a big relief today,” added Buttler.
Following his remarkable performance in the 2022 IPL, where he amassed an impressive 863 runs, the England white-ball captain faced difficulties last year. Buttler managed to score only 392 runs in IPL 2023, leading to RR’s failure to reach the playoffs after their strong showing the previous season.
“Very happy to see you smile” – Sanju Samson on Jos Buttler
RR captain Sanju Samson was thrilled to see Jos Buttler return to his explosive form in the clash against RCB. Following the early dismissal of Yashasvi Jaiswal in the second delivery of the run-chase, Buttler and Samson forged a significant 148-run partnership for the second wicket.
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Samson was eventually dismissed for a stunning 69 runs off 42 balls. In the video posted by the IPL Twitter account, Samson conveyed to Buttler:
“Too many 2’s but very happy to run those and end up on the winning side. Very happy to see you ( Buttler) smile, genuine smile, something we all at the dressing room are so happy to see. We are so happy, especially myself (on Buttler regaining form) , because now in the upcoming games, I am more excited.”
The win elevated RR to the top of the table, making them one of the two unbeaten teams in the competition along with KKR. RR will face the 2022 IPL champions, GT, in their next match on Wednesday, April 10th.
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