Jos Buttler has built a reputation over the years as one of those batsmen who can turn a game on its head.
When he finds his rhythm, the game can elude pitchers in a blur of mounds, swings and high hits. This ability to turn the momentum of a match almost instantly made Buttler one of England’s most dangerous boundary batsmen.
But this T20 World Cup told a completely different story. Buttler has endured a forgettable T20 World Cup so far. (AP photo)
In seven matches, Buttler managed just 62 runs at an average of 8.85. More surprisingly, he has slumped to single-figure scores in each of his last five innings, a streak that hardly lives up to his reputation as one of England’s best white-ball players.
However, major tournaments have a special way of offering second chances. Buttler now has the perfect phase to change his story England will face India in the high-profile semi-final at the Wankhede Stadium on Thursday in Mumbai. The question that naturally follows is simple. Should India still be wary of a champion waiting for his moment?
WANKHEDE: WHERE TO REWRITE THE FORM
Buttler has good reason to believe that the turnaround could come in the semi-finals, especially at the Wankhede Stadium where they have often gone all out. Among overseas players, he is the second highest T20 run-scorer on the iconic ground.
In 31 matches here, Buttler scored 909 runs at an average of 32.46 and a strike rate of 143.82. Bombay was often a happy hunting ground for him.
In fact, his success rate on the field is higher and his average is not far behind that of Rohit Sharma, a player who knows the Wankhede better than most. It was at this venue in 2022 that Buttler smashed a brilliant 116 off 65 balls for Rajasthan Royals to lead them to a thrilling 15-run win over Delhi Capitals. Can Buttler regain his form on his favorite Wankhede surface? (Photo: PTI)
His T20I numbers in Mumbai also tell an interesting story. He has scored 30, 26, 21, 21, 15 and 7 in six innings. These knocks show that he has often found his opening here but has yet to produce the type of defining innings that will leave a lasting mark.
Maybe that’s all that’s left. Turn one of those starts into a match-shaping performance.
For the opponent, the plan is always straightforward. Remove Buttler early. Because once they settle in and sense the weakness, the only job left for the bowlers is to chase the ball under the Mumbai lights.
HOW DOES BUTTLER FAR IN THE KNOCKOUTS?
History suggests that Buttler tends to raise his level when the stakes are highest.
He scored 226 runs at an average of 56.50 in six T20 World Cup knockout matches, including the semi-final and final. This is a significant jump from his overall career T20 World Cup average of 33.71.
Even more telling is his consistency in those games. He has crossed the 20-run mark in each of these knockout matches, giving England a solid start when it matters most.
England will be hoping to go a step further on Thursday and produce the kind of innings that can derail India’s campaign. Buttler’s redemption could play a key role for England in the semi-finals. (PTI photo)
India will certainly remember the damage it caused in the 2022 semi-final at the Adelaide Oval. Buttler’s unbeaten 80 along with Alex Hales propelled England to a dominant 10-wicket win as they chased down 169 with four overs in a 170-run opening stand.
Even in the semi-final in 2024, Buttler looked dangerous with a quick 23 off 15 balls before being dismissed by Axar Patel.
So while his form in this tournament has been far from convincing, the numbers indicate one thing clearly. Writing off Buttler in a knockout match might be a risky move.
BUTLER CASTLE BROOK
Despite his struggles with the bat in the 2026 T20 World Cup, Buttler’s position in the England camp remains unchanged.
captain of england Harry Brook openly supported the senior batsman, reminds critics that Buttler has been one of the pillars of England’s success with the white ball over the years. According to Brook, the team intentionally gave him space rather than pile on the pressure.
Brook believes Buttler’s experience and match-winning record speak volumes enough that his place in the team should not even be debated.
“You don’t have to tell him too much. Sometimes the best approach is to leave him alone. He’s been a world-class cricketer for many years. There’s no reason to question why he’s in the team,” Brook told a pre-match press conference.
World Cup elimination is not unfamiliar territory for Buttler. The experience is vast and the pedigree unquestionable.
What may be lacking now is not skill but confidence. That spark that has often transformed him from soft-dough to game-changing force.
And sometimes all it takes is one clean hit to bring that belief back.
Buttler has made a career out of producing big moments on the biggest nights. England will be hoping that the semi-final against the 2024 champions is just the night that storm returns.
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Issued by:
Debodinna Chakraborty
Published on:
05 March 2026 11:04 IST
