Rajasthan Royals opener Jos Buttler said he kept believing in himself despite not finding his rhythm in the middle overs against Kolkata Knight Riders at the Eden Gardens, Kolkata on Tuesday. Buttler helped RR equal their own record of the highest chase in the IPL history as they got over the line in a target of 224 runs by two wickets.
The right-hander scored a blistering knock of 107 runs off just 60 balls with the help of nine fours and six sixes. However, all was not merry for England’s white-ball captain as he looked at sea in the middle overs.
Between overs 7 to 14, Buttler managed only 22 runs off 21 balls as the required run rate kept going upwards but RR went on to score 96 in the last six overs. However, Buttler said he had the belief in himself as veteran players like MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli have closed out many games while staying till the end.
Buttler revealed he also took inspiration from golfer Max Holmes and head coach Kumar Sangakkara has also backed him to the hilt. The RR opener was awarded Player of the Match for his match-winning knock.
Jos Buttler said in the post-match presentation, “Keep believing, that was the real key today. At times, felt like I was struggling a bit for rhythm. Actually have been watching the golf and I saw a guy called Max Holmes. Anytime the negative thoughts come, I think the complete opposite and dare to dream. That’s what kept me going. At times you feel frustrated or you are questioning yourself. I was trying to tell myself it’d be 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.”
He added, “Guys like Dhoni and Kohli, the way they stay till the end and keep believing, you’ve seen it so many times in the IPL and I was trying to do the same. That’s something Kumar Sangakkara has told me a lot – there’s always a little breaking point. The worst thing you can do when you are not feeling your best is to fight it and try to force the issue and give your wicket away. He just tells me to stay there and at some point, the momentum will change or you’ll find your rhythm or one shot will get you going. That’s been a big part of my play over the last few years – try to stay the course and not get in my own way. (His greatest IPL innings?) I would think so. Anytime you’re not out at the end to see your team through, especially off the last ball, in a big run-chase, very satisfying.”
Rajasthan Royals will next take on Mumbai Indians at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur on Monday.
