Jos Buttler credits Kohli, Dhoni for inspiration behind sensational knock

In a stunning display of resilience and determination, Jos Buttler, the Rajasthan Royals centurion, showcased his mettle against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at the iconic Eden Gardens. Buttler’s remarkable innings not only secured a thrilling victory for his team but also etched his name in IPL history.

Reflecting on his extraordinary knock, Buttler revealed how the guidance of cricketing stalwarts like Virat Kohli and MS Dhoni fueled his performance. Drawing from their examples of perseverance and belief, Buttler navigated through moments of struggle with unwavering determination. In the post-match presentation ceremony, he emphasized the importance of staying calm and maintaining belief, echoing the wisdom imparted by Sangakkara.

“Keep believing, that was the real key today. I was struggling a bit for rhythm. At times you feel frustrated or you are questioning yourself. I tell myself it’s okay, keep going, you’ll get your rhythm back, and try to stay calm. There’s been plenty of times throughout the IPL, you’ve seen crazy things happen,” Buttler said.

“Guys like Dhoni and Kohli, the way they stay till the end and keep believing and I tried to do the same. That’s something Sangakkara has told me a lot – there’s always a breaking point. The worse thing you can do is to not fight and give your wicket away. He just tells me to stay there and at some point, the momentum will change. That’s been a big part of my play over the last few years. (Greatest IPL innings?) I would think so. Very satisfying,” Buttler added.

With his seventh IPL century, Buttler surpassed Chris Gayle in the all-time list of century-makers, solidifying his status as a quintessential match-winner. His unbeaten knock of 107* not only propelled Rajasthan Royals to a memorable win but also left spectators in awe of his talent.

The tension was palpable as Buttler stood on the crease, facing the daunting task of chasing down a target of 224 runs. However, with nerves of steel and a breathtaking array of strokes, he dismantled the KKR bowling attack with finesse.

Despite the accolades rightfully bestowed upon Buttler, the match also showcased the brilliance of Narine, whose exceptional performance went in vain as KKR fell short of victory. Buttler’s heroics, culminating in a jubilant celebration as he secured the winning runs, underscored his significance as a force to be reckoned with in the IPL.