Jos Buttler, the former England captain, is preparing for his 11th Indian Premier League season as he looks to rediscover his form after a disappointing T20 World Cup. The 35-year-old wicketkeeper-batter endured a lean run in the Caribbean, managing only one score above 25 in six innings, raising questions about his international future. He has expressed a desire to continue playing and hopes a stint with Gujarat Titans will provide the necessary healing ahead of the English summer.
Buttler is part of a 12-strong English contingent in this year's IPL, which begins on Saturday. Among his teammates at Gujarat Titans are Tom Banton and Luke Wood. However, Sam Curran has been ruled out of his stint with Rajasthan Royals due to injury, while Ben Duckett faces a ban from the tournament until 2029 after pulling out of his deal with Delhi Capitals to play County Championship cricket.
The tournament returns amid political tensions, highlighted by former India captain Sunil Gavaskar's controversial column. Gavaskar criticised Sunrisers Hyderabad's decision to buy Pakistan's Abrar Ahmed for their Leeds-based Hundred team, claiming it 'indirectly contributes to the deaths of Indian soldiers and civilians'. The comments have set an uneasy tone for the upcoming Hundred season in July.
Additionally, the aftermath of tragedy looms over the opening match. Sunrisers Hyderabad will face Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the Chinnaswamy Stadium, a venue that has witnessed recent tragic events. The IPL season opener is scheduled for Saturday, with security and emotions expected to be high.
