Having stepped down as England’s white-ball captain, Jos Buttler is feeling much "lighter" and making the most of his newfound mental clarity in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL).

Before entering into the IPL 2025, Buttler relinquished ODI and T20I captaincy. His decision came in the wake of England’s group-stage exit from the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

Plying his trade for Gujarat Titans (GT), Buttler has slammed two fifties in three matches so far, including a match-winning 73* against RCB. With 166 runs, he currently features among the leading run-scorers in the tournament.

"I certainly feel a lot lighter. Obviously, being a captain, when you're not getting the results can weigh heavy on you and you spend a lot of time and energy thinking about it and trying to make it right," Buttler told PTI in an exclusive chat.

"Being free of that certainly has given me a lot more space in my own mind and I feel a lot more relaxed and I can just focus on my own game," he said.

Buttler has predominantly opened the batting in T20 cricket, but he is adapting to the No. 3 role for the Titans.

"I'm really comfortable with batting at No 3. It's something I've been doing recently for England, so just using all my experiences as an opener, as a middle-order player to just play how I see the new role and be a part of what is a really fantastic team."

The English wicketkeeper has forged a formidable batting unit with India’s Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan and was rich in praise for the two youngsters.

"I think Gill is a fantastic captain. He has got a lot of really good, admirable leadership traits. He leads from the front with the way he plays and prepares. He has been great for everyone. I'm really enjoying working under him,” Buttler said.

Commenting on Sudharsan, who is also in red-hot form scoring 186 runs with two fifties in the season so far, Buttler said, "I've been really impressed by Sai. He's a brilliant player. I knew he was a good player but obviously when you see guys up close, you get a better look at them and he's fantastic. He has got an amazing future ahead."

"He has been ultra consistent. He has got an amazing all-round game. I think he's one to watch for the future,” he added.

Buttler further mentioned that it is a trait among successful IPL teams to make themselves top-heavy with their batting line-ups.

"It's kind of a trait of all teams that play well, right? It's somebody who will bat for a long time… if someone does spend time at the crease in T20 cricket, the team they're playing for generally does well and you get a good score," he said.

"We always want to play with freedom and express ourselves. But being able to do that for a period of time is what is crucial for all teams. It's always the responsibility of the top three - four to make impactful innings on the game.”

Buttler spent six seasons with Rajasthan Royals but was released ahead of the mega auction last year. Moving into a new set-up at the Titans, he feels communication has been great right from the beginning.

"Having a great time here with the Gujarat Titans. I've been really warmly welcomed. It's a very friendly atmosphere to come into, so I feel very settled and comfortable and enjoying it,” he said.

"When you've spent a long time playing for one team, you know them really well. You know the setup, how everything works, etc. Coming to a new team, it's (about) working out all those things about how the franchise likes to run and how people operate, just being open and stuff."

(With PTI Inputs)