Jos Buttler, England’s veteran white-ball cricketer, has candidly reflected on his post-captaincy career, his struggles, and the recent passing of his father. Following England’s low-key series in Ireland, Buttler, who has been a mainstay in the limited-overs team for years, opens up about the challenges he faced after England’s disappointing 2023 World Cup campaign.
The 35-year-old wicketkeeper-batsman revealed how the loss of his father in August gave him a fresh perspective on life and cricket. The grief was profound, but it also deepened his appreciation for the game and gave him the determination to do his best, as that was all his father ever wanted. Buttler now finds himself looking to the skies every time he plays, imagining his father watching over him.
During his time as England’s white-ball captain, Buttler led the team to the 2022 T20 World Cup title. However, the aftermath of the 2023 World Cup defeat in India affected him deeply. The loss left a lasting dent in his confidence, which, according to Buttler, never fully recovered. As a result, the decision to step down from the captaincy has brought relief. He describes the weight that had been hanging over him as “a dark cloud” now lifted.
Buttler, who still plays with the intensity and focus of a much younger player, shared that he no longer feels the pressure to overthink every aspect of his game. This shift in mentality was evident in his excellent IPL performance earlier this year, where he played some of the best cricket of his career. For Buttler, it’s about enjoying the game and not clinging to expectations or past mistakes.
Reflecting on his close friend Joe Root’s post-captaincy resurgence, Buttler finds comfort in the fact that a player can thrive and enjoy the game once the responsibilities of leadership are gone. Buttler also expressed his excitement for the upcoming Ashes series, despite his personal struggles in the past. He predicted an England win, with a 3-2 result in what he believes will be a thrilling contest.
Looking ahead, Buttler’s focus remains on winning another World Cup with England. His ultimate goal is to experience that victorious dressing room feeling again, a memory he cherishes deeply from the 2019 50-over World Cup win. With the T20 and 50-over World Cups both on the horizon next year, Buttler is determined to add another triumph to his illustrious career.
