Jos Buttler, who is leading England’s ODI team against India in the absence of Eoin Morgan, confirmed on Saturday (March 27) that he would be joining the Rajasthan Royals (RR) squad on Monday (March 29) for the 14th edition of Indian Premier League (IPL).
Addressing a virtual press conference on the eve of the series-deciding third ODI, Buttler also said that the IPL 2021 will play an important role with the T20 World Cup slated to be held in India later this year.
"Yes (when asked whether Buttler will join RR squad on Monday). To an extent, this year's IPL will be most important. I have played a number of IPLs, have gotten used to the conditions having played a lot of cricket here. We also had one T20 World Cup in India as well in 2016.
"Playing in probably one of the biggest T20 competitions in the world with the best players before the World Cup, would be brilliant preparation for a World Cup. So excited to play in IPL, it's naturally a good time to have an IPL," Buttler said while answering an ANI query.
Elaborating further on the IPL, Buttler said: "After this game, we travel to Mumbai to join up with Rajasthan Royals squad. Our first game is not until the 12th, a little bit of downtime between now and then, so we can have some time away from the game and refresh ourselves. There are challenges about the bubble life and those kinds of things, it is about managing those things. IPL is a huge tournament and really excited to play in that. It gives you a lot of energy just the thought about playing in this tournament."
Buttler also confirmed that he will be accompanied by his family during the IPL 2021 and he also thanked Rajasthan Royals and BCCI for the same.
"Rajasthan Royals have been great again with assisting me in having my family here for the IPL. Last time, they were there in Dubai as well, the franchises and BCCI have been great in making this possible, it's all complicated at the moment, but having families around is a big plus," said Buttler.
IPL 2021 is due to begin on April 9, with defending champions Mumbai Indians (MI) taking on Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the tournament opener at Chepauk.
Royals will open their campaign against Punjab Kings (PBKS) on April 12 in Mumbai.
(With ANI inputs)
