Rajasthan Royals (RR) skipper Steve Smith showered rich praise on Jos Buttler, comparing his IPL teammate’s ability to win games at the back end of the innings to swashbucklers such as AB de Villiers and Kieron Pollard.

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Buttler played a key role in Royals’ thumping seven-wicket win over Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in Abu Dhabi on Monday (October 19).

Asked to bowl first, RR restricted CSK to a paltry 125/5 in 20 overs on the back of brilliant performances from Jofra Archer (1-20), Shreyas Gopa (1-14) and Rahul Tewatia (1-18).

In the chase, Rajasthan lost their top three for just 28 runs but the experienced duo of Buttler and Smith shared an unbroken 98-run stand to see the team over the line with 15 balls to spare.

While Buttler remained unbeaten on 48-ball 70, Smith finished with 34-ball 26*.

"He is second to none. We are lucky to have him. He has got so much versatility in his batting," Smith said in the post-match press conference.

Usually, Buttler bats in the top-order for RR but Smith sent him at No. 5 against CSK.

Reflecting on his decision, the Royals captain said: "It's an interesting one. Jos is an unbelievable player at the top. He has the ability to do things that ABD and Pollards and (Hardik) Pandyas do. Those players win you games at the back end."

"This conversation is difficult (to drop him in batting order) but it provides stability in the middle," he added.

Smith, who was extremely pleased with the result, also shared his experience of batting alongside Buttler.

"The wicket was not ideal. I was trying to form a partnership. Jos can score at a good rate. There was no need to take any risk, just form a partnership, put the foot down and get the victory and two points in the end.

"He (Buttler) came out with a positive mindset.... hit the ball nice and hard and made things easy for me at the other end."

The result means that RR (8 points) are now competing with closest rival Kolkata Knight Riders (10 points) for a playoff spot in the IPL.

"The last two games, we were in a position where we could have won the games. We have not won many games with decent margins, so to get over the line tonight with a bit to spare was pleasing."

(With PTI inputs)