Jos Buttler’s IPL 2026 so far has been a work in progress, coming off a difficult stretch that has seen him struggle to find consistency for both England and Gujarat Titans. After a lean year in international T20s, the prolific batter is now leaning on routine, confidence and experience as GT continues its search for a first win of the season.
Buttler’s 2026 struggles in T20 cricket
In 11 T20 internationals for England this year, Buttler has posted an average of 15.27 while striking at a rate below 125. The numbers underline a campaign that has not matched the standards he set earlier in his career, when he established himself as one of the sport’s leading short-form batters on the global stage.
IPL 2026 starts: two quick knocks, two different opponents
In the ongoing IPL season, Buttler has begun his GT campaign with starts that have not yet turned into big scores. He made 38 off 33 balls against Punjab Kings and then followed it with 26 off 14 balls against Rajasthan Royals.
Despite those modest contributions, Buttler insists he is approaching his batting with clarity and focus, aiming to rebuild the rhythm that has slipped away recently. He believes that his “game” and “experience” can help him regain momentum and deliver match-winning impact for Gujarat Titans.
Trusting preparation, staying in the present
Speaking on the podcast For the Love of Cricket, which he co-hosts with former England team-mate Stuart Broad, Buttler said he is feeling positive about his process. He pointed to the break after the T20 World Cup and the sense of space it gave him, while emphasising that his focus is on the set-up and being in a strong position when the ball comes onto the bat.
He said he is trying to trust what he knows, letting innings develop naturally rather than forcing outcomes. Buttler added that while he has managed to reach good starts, the key is maintaining calm in the middle and converting that mindset into sustained performance.
What Buttler says he’s adjusting
- He feels “good” and used the post-World Cup break to reset, with time to put the bat down and get space.
- He is focusing on himself—particularly his set-up—so that when the ball is released, he is positioned well.
- He is trusting both his current game and his past experience to let the innings unfold.
- He wants to keep a calm, controlled approach once he gets into the match.
- He is trying not to dwell on past results, treating each day as a fresh start.
- He is distancing himself from mental patterns such as blocking out a particular bowler, venue, or ground-specific doubts.
Team talk, coaching influence, and GT’s next fixture
On Tuesday, Gujarat Titans team-mate B Sai Sudharsan said Buttler looked “closer than anyone else” to playing a special innings. Even with that encouragement, Buttler stressed that he is choosing to remain present and not overanalyse earlier successes or failures.
Buttler also discussed enjoying the time he has been spending with GT’s new batting coach Matthew Hayden, describing the experience as beneficial. He said it has been “great” to draw on Hayden’s knowledge and that the coach’s impact is noticeable even before conversations begin, but becomes even more useful during one-on-one sessions where they focus on simple, practical details.
GT’s next match and likely batting order
- Gujarat Titans’ next game is against Delhi Capitals at Arun Jaitley Stadium on Wednesday.
- Buttler is expected to bat at No. 3.
- Sai Sudharsan and Shubman Gill are set to be ahead of him in the order.
- Gill is due to return to the playing XI as captain after missing the previous fixture because of neck issues.
