Last Update: January 07, 2023, 18:23 IST
England white-ball captain Jos Buttler (Reuters Image)
Ahead of SA20, T20 World Cup-winning captain Jos Buttler said he is looking forward to playing under David Miller and believes his team Paarl Royals can win the tournament
Paarl Royals will begin their SA20 campaign on Tuesday, and their star wicketkeeper-batsman, T20 World Cup-winning captain Jos Buttler believes the team is “capable of winning the tournament”.
“If you look through the squad, there are some fantastic players in there but then it’s very much down to how we play and get the best out of ourselves and click as a unit. I look forward to the leadership of David Miller I am really excited to play and I have played with him quite a bit – the Royals also know him very well and we are looking forward to following his lead,” he added.
Read this also | Chetan Sharma remains chairman of selectors as BCCI announces senior selection committee
“There is JP Duminy as the head coach, he is someone I have played against a few times and I am really looking forward to working with him. I think we’ve got some great experience and some great young players too, so it’s a good mix.”
Sharing his thoughts on what South Africa’s new explosive T20 league can bring to their country, Butler said, “I think leagues like SA20 are at the forefront of cricket and can pave the way for the future of cricket. Have been In my opinion, IPL is the biggest and best cricket tournament in the world because of the kind of eyeballs it brings to the game. And in the same way, it’s really important for South African cricket that so many IPL teams are affiliated with SA20.”
He further added, “I think franchise cricket brings together the best players from international teams and the best local talent, and gives domestic players an environment to flourish and flourish. In the world, it is the best of South African cricket.” This will make a really positive impact on development and help create a strong environment where the pace of learning is accelerated. Therefore, I see the SA20 as an important moment in the history of South African cricket.”
Summing up the past year which included some incredible hitting, memorable tons and some valuable titles, Buttler said, “I was really happy with the way things went obviously in 2022. My IPL experience so far with the Royals We had our best season ever, and we were disappointed not to lift the trophy, but we had a great season. As a group, I think we had a really experienced and balanced squad. Personally, I’ve had some great formulas. And got a really good mindset, and I was really happy to contribute with runs.”
Read this also | ‘Biggest problem is India’s top order’: Former selector lambasts team for relying heavily on Surya
“And then of course, the highlight was pretty much becoming T20 World Cup winners with England. It’s a big moment in my career when I took over the captaincy, and to top it off with a World Cup win, and to make England the team to hold both the 50-over and 20-over World Cups at the same time, an amazing achievement. So, it’s been an amazing year. But now we are making a fresh start. Hopefully some more good things will happen in 2023,” added the England white-ball captain.
Having scored over 1500 runs in international and domestic T20Is at a strike rate of 154.65, Buttler was in the form of his life, and credits a few factors. “I think it’s a few things that have helped me get there. I think the change in my batting position in T20 cricket, going up top has given me more chances to be consistent. But definitely “My experiences over the years have really shaped me. There’s been a lot to learn, a lot to understand about my own game, and I’ve also picked up some valuable advice from people who are doing well.”
Paarl Royals will begin their SA20 campaign against MI Cape Town here.
get the latest cricket news, the schedule And cricket live score Here
(This story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from a syndicated news agency feed)