"Feeling Light Like Never Before": Jos Buttler Opens Up About Shedding England Captaincy and His New Role with Gujarat Titans
Cricket, they say, is as much a mental game as it is about physical skill. And no one knows that better right now than Jos Buttler. The England superstar and current Gujarat Titans (GT) batter seems to have found a fresh breath of life, both mentally and on the pitch, after stepping down from the high-pressure job of leading England's white-ball teams.
In an exclusive chat ahead of GT’s clash with Sunrisers Hyderabad, Buttler opened up about how his decision to quit as England’s white-ball captain has significantly lightened his load. And mind you, it’s not just a metaphor – he literally feels "lighter".
“I certainly feel a lot lighter. Obviously, being a captain, when you're not getting the results can weigh heavy on you and you spend a lot of time and energy thinking about it and trying to make it right,” Buttler said during the interview. “Being free of that has given me a lot more space in my own mind and I feel a lot more relaxed. Now I can just focus on my own game.”
And that clarity seems to be showing on the field too!
🏏 The Weight of Expectations
Let’s rewind a bit. England, once known for its dominance in white-ball cricket, had a rough patch in both the 2023 ODI World Cup and the 2024 T20 World Cup. Fans were left disappointed as England couldn’t live up to the hype and finished poorly in both tournaments. By the time the Champions Trophy rolled around, the writing was on the wall. England's campaign ended with them languishing at the bottom of the table – a far cry from the team that once ruled the format.
Buttler, being at the helm during these challenging phases, bore the brunt of the criticism. Understandably, it wasn't easy. The pressures of leading an international side, especially one with such high expectations, can be draining – mentally and emotionally.
“Things can really start to weigh on you when results aren't going your way. You start to overthink everything. As a captain, you’re not just managing your own game but the entire team’s performance. It becomes tough,” Buttler confessed.
So, when the Champions Trophy concluded on a sour note, Buttler knew it was time to pass the baton.
🎯 New Role, New Energy with GT
Now, free from the burden of captaincy, Jos Buttler has a renewed spark. And it’s clearly visible in the way he’s playing in the IPL 2025 season. Donning the Gujarat Titans jersey this time, Buttler has embraced a different role – coming in at No.3, a slot that's relatively new for him in franchise cricket but one he’s been getting used to in international matches.
And guess what? He’s loving it.
“I'm really comfortable with batting at No.3. It's something I’ve been doing for England recently, so I’m using all my experiences – whether it’s from opening or middle order – to adapt and play what the team needs,” Buttler explained. “GT is a fantastic setup, and I’m just trying to contribute in any way I can.”
💥 A Glimpse of the Old Magic – The RCB Knock
For those doubting whether Buttler can still explode with the bat like the old days – he answered that in style. In GT’s clash against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), Buttler smashed an unbeaten 73 off just 39 balls from the No.3 spot. The innings was a pure masterclass of controlled aggression, experience, and elegance – a reminder of what he’s truly capable of when he’s at peace with himself.
That innings wasn’t just important for the team’s victory – it sent a strong message to critics and fans alike: Jos Buttler is far from finished.
✅ What’s Working for Buttler?
Let’s break it down – what’s really changed for Buttler since he stepped down?
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Mental Peace – Without the responsibility of captaincy, Buttler can now channel his energy solely into his batting. He no longer has to think about team combinations, media scrutiny, or strategy meetings.
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Clarity of Role – Batting at No.3 might seem like a demotion to some, but for Buttler, it’s a fresh opportunity. He gets time to assess conditions, pace his innings, and play with freedom.
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Team Environment – GT is known for its relaxed yet focused dressing room culture. Under a calm leadership group, players are given the liberty to express themselves. This fits perfectly with Buttler’s current state of mind.
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No Captaincy Pressure – Let's face it – captaincy in England, especially in white-ball cricket, is no less stressful than Test captaincy now. Without that added stress, Buttler is simply enjoying his game again.
🔄 From Rajasthan to Gujarat – A New Beginning
While Buttler made waves as a consistent opener for Rajasthan Royals (RR) in past IPL seasons, his move to Gujarat Titans was seen as a surprise by many. However, this shift seems to have come at just the right time. RR gave Buttler the platform to shine, but GT might just be giving him the space to breathe.
Also, this flexibility to change roles – from opening to No.3 – shows the kind of maturity and adaptability that only experienced players can bring to the table.
“Whether it’s opening or coming in one-down, it doesn’t matter. For me, it’s about assessing the game situation and contributing the best I can,” said Buttler.
🔍 The Bigger Picture – England’s Transition
On the England front, Buttler’s exit as captain marks the end of an era. But it also opens the door for a fresh leadership setup, possibly with younger faces or a more long-term vision. While Jos may not be the one leading from the front anymore, his experience will still be vital in England’s white-ball structure, especially if he continues playing.
And who knows? Maybe not leading will help extend his career, both for England and in global T20 leagues.
🗣️ Fans' Take – "We Want This Jos Every Match!"
Fans have noticed the change too. On social media, Buttler’s innings against RCB trended for hours. The common sentiment? “This is the Jos we love. This is the Jos we missed.”
Cricket fans in India have always had a special bond with Buttler – whether it’s for his explosive batting, calm demeanor, or his incredible sportsmanship. And now, seeing him play with such freedom again is a treat for the eyes.
✨ Final Thoughts
Sometimes, letting go of something heavy is the best way to rise. And Jos Buttler is proving that in style.
Stepping down as England’s white-ball captain might have seemed like a big decision – even a setback to some. But in reality, it’s been a blessing in disguise. The freedom, the mental space, and the ability to just focus on enjoying the game are making a visible difference in his performances.
And if his current IPL form is anything to go by, fans can expect plenty more fireworks from this English dynamite in the days to come.
So here's a little cheer for Jos – lighter, happier, and deadlier than ever! 🔥
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