Jos Buttler Opens Up on Finding Form with Gujarat Titans in IPL 2026
A New Chapter for Jos Buttler at Gujarat Titans
Jos Buttler, widely regarded as one of England’s most influential T20 cricketers, has faced an uncharacteristically difficult 2026. After a year where his international form dipped—averaging just 15.27 across 11 T20Is with a strike rate falling below 125—the eyes of the cricketing world are fixed on his transition to the IPL. Now donning the Gujarat Titans jersey, Buttler is looking to reignite the fire that once made him the most feared batter in the format.
Finding Calm Amidst the Pressure
The IPL 2026 season has seen a steady, if not explosive, start for the Englishman. With scores of 38 off 33 balls against Punjab Kings and 26 off 14 against Rajasthan Royals, the signs of his trademark fluidity are beginning to show. Speaking on the For the Love of Cricket podcast, which he co-hosts with Stuart Broad, Buttler emphasized the importance of his post-World Cup break.
“I feel good actually,” Buttler admitted. “Having that space away from the game was crucial. It allowed me to put the bat down, clear my head, and come back with a singular focus on my setup. My priority is ensuring that when the ball is released, I am in a solid, balanced position. From there, it is all about trusting my game and my experience to let things happen naturally.”
The Mental Reset
The pressure to perform in the IPL is immense, especially for a franchise like the Gujarat Titans, which is currently hunting for its first victory of the season. However, Buttler is intentionally distancing himself from the narrative of his recent failures. He is adopting a philosophy of living in the present, treating every match as a blank slate.
“Every day you start on nought, and that is where I have been looking,” he explained. “I am avoiding the trap of dwelling on the past or overthinking my previous successes or failures. In the past, I have been guilty of creating mental blocks against specific venues or bowlers. Now, I am actively trying to remain distant from those thoughts and just focus on the task at hand.”
Learning from a Legend: The Matthew Hayden Factor
One of the most exciting aspects of Buttler’s tenure at GT has been the opportunity to work closely with batting coach Matthew Hayden. The legendary Australian opener, known for his imposing presence at the crease, has been instrumental in keeping things simple for the squad.
“It has been great to lean into his experiences,” says Buttler. “You can imagine his aura when he was batting, but in one-on-one conversations, he is incredibly grounding. We have been focusing on the really simple things. Getting to experience that level of insight has been cool.”
Looking Ahead: The Clash with Delhi Capitals
The confidence in Buttler’s ability remains high within the GT camp. Teammate B Sai Sudharsan noted earlier this week that Buttler looks closer than anyone in the squad to playing a match-defining innings. With Gujarat Titans set to face the Delhi Capitals at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Wednesday, the timing for a vintage Buttler performance could not be better.
The batting order is expected to see a significant boost as well, with skipper Shubman Gill slated to return to the playing XI following his recovery from neck issues. With Gill, Sai Sudharsan, and a focused Buttler potentially forming a lethal top three, GT fans will be hoping that Wednesday marks the beginning of their climb up the IPL table. For Buttler, it is simply about staying in the moment and trusting the process that has made him a global superstar.
