Buttler 'won't bat for 15 overs' to return to form amid struggle for runs in T20 WC

Jos Buttler of England makes his way off the field after being dismissed during the 5th T20 International between The nation and England at Wankhede Stadium on February 02, 2025 in Mumbai, Bharat. (Photo/Getty Images)

mentions he will not change his batting approach despite a run of low scores in the ongoing T20 World Cup, stating that he cannot focus only on staying at the crease if the team needs quick runs.

The former England captain has not scored a half-century in his last 14 international innings across ODIs and T20Is, with a highest score of 39.

"T20 is one of those games that asks you to keep making plays. There are times when you’ve maybe been out of form in a Test match with the batting coach, who might say ‘just rein it in for a bit and try to bat for an hour and it will come back to you’. So by hook or by crook, bat for an hour. But in T20s, you’ve got to keep playing the scoreboard; if you’re chasing 10 in an over you’ve got to play accordingly," Buttler said.

"I saw Nasser say, ‘just bat for 15 overs,' and I would love to just bat for 15 overs, but I don’t want to bat for 15 overs just for myself and ignore the game. You’ve got to still play the game," Buttler said on the For the Love of Cricket podcast, referring to comments by Nasser Hussain.

Buttler scored 26 and 21 against Nepal and West Indies in Mumbai, followed by scores of three and three against Scotland and Italy in Kolkata as England moved into the Super 8 stage.

"A bit frustrating so far, the game just keeps challenging you, no matter what stage of your career you’re at, there’s always something challenging you. I’ve been through lots of patches of poor form over 15 years in all different formats; it’s always the same things you come back to at the end, which is stand still, watch the ball and trust yourself," he added.

The former England captain also said he would not change his batting position to deal with the slump.

“The only person who can score my runs is myself. I’m not going to score them by hiding away or sending anyone else out; I’ve got to put my own shirt on, mark the middle, and off we go again. It always comes back at some point, so looking forward to the next opportunity.”

Buttler also spoke about his time in Mumbai. "Mumbai, I think, is a city I really enjoy. There are some really good restaurants to get out to. There's lots going on.

It's obviously busy and hectic, but that's all part of the fun of India," he said.

He also praised the performances of associate teams in the tournament. "The associate sides have played brilliantly. I'm sure they all feel like they've got nothing to lose. They're looking for that giant-killing kind of performance, and sides have come really close."

England have reached the Super 8 stage and will play their matches in Sri Lanka. They begin that phase against the co-hosts at the Pallekele International Stadium on Sunday.