IPL 2018: Jos Buttler aiming to reap rewards of playing alongside Steve Smith at Rajasthan Royals

Buttler has represented Mumbai Indians in the last two editions of IPL.

Jos Buttler | PTI

England wicketkeeper batsman Jos Buttler has expressed his desire to learn a trick or two from Australia skipper and one of the finest batsmen of modern era, Steve Smith during the next edition of Indian Premier League (IPL).

Just a couple of weeks ago, Buttler was signed by the inaugural IPL champions Rajasthan Royals for INR 4.40 crores. Prior to the auction, Royals had secured the services of Steve Smith and also shouldered him with the responsibility of captaincy.

“Steve Smith will captain the Royals and it will be really interesting to play in the same side as him and see him up close. I learn by watching people up close, I did that a lot with Mumbai, and seeing how guys train and prepare is fascinating to me. That work away from the cameras is where you get an insight into players’ mindsets and how they approach the game. I’ll definitely be looking to pick Steve’s brains a bit,” Jos Buttler told Sky Sports.

The 27-year-old Buttler played for Mumbai Indians in the last two editions of the cash-rich league. In 24 matches for MI, the England glovesman scored 527 runs at an impressive rate of 145.98.

“I had a fantastic couple of years with Mumbai but I am now excited about the challenge with Rajasthan,” Jos said.

England’s maverick all-rounder Ben Stokes has also been secured by the Rajasthan Royals for INR 12.50 crores. Stokes was sold for 14.5 crores to now dysfunctional IPL franchise Rising Pune Supergiants in the last season of IPL and he showed the value for money.

The all-rounder completely changed the destiny of RPS. The Pune based franchise had finished second last in the 9th edition of IPL and ended up runner-up in the 10th edition after Stokes joined them. No wonder, Buttler is excited to play with Stokes in the RR camp.

“It will be great to play alongside Ben Stokes, while any time you get to play in the IPL it is a fantastic experience,” he said.

Buttler has grown into one of England’s most dependable and destructive batsmen in recent years and he believes that IPL has played an instrumental role in his development as a cricketer.

“Playing in the IPL has helped me stay calm in pressure situations and deal with the expectation, the big crowds and the razzmatazz,” Buttler asserted.

“It’s all about maintaining your thought process and performance amid the chaos and external factors. You can then call on that experience going into different environments and different games,” he concluded.

 
 

By Salman Anjum - 07 Feb, 2018

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