IPL 2023: Why Jos Buttler is not playing his favourite scoop shot these days

Buttler's 22-ball 54 against Sunrisers Hyderabad included three sixes but his high-risk, high-reward scoop shot was conspicuous by its absence

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Rajasthan Royals' Jos Buttler plays a shot during the Indian Premier League match against Sunrisers Hyderabad. — AFP

By Reuters

Published: Mon 3 Apr 2023, 2:11 PM

Jos Buttler says he has not fallen out of love with his trademark scoop shot and is merely being a little more choosy about when he plays it after the opener helped Rajasthan Royals to a winning start in the Indian Premier League (IPL) on Sunday.

Rajasthan's top three batters smashed fifties to power the 2008 champions to a commanding 203-5 against hosts Sunrisers Hyderabad, who managed 131-8 in reply.

England white-ball captain Buttler blasted a 22-ball 54 and raised 85 runs with fellow opener Yashasvi Jaiswal (54) before Rajasthan skipper Sanju Samson (55) joined the party.

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Buttler's knock, which earned him the Player of the Match award, included three sixes but his high-risk, high-reward scoop shot was conspicuous by its absence.

"It's always my favourite shot. I'll try and play it as much as I can," the 32-year-old told teammate Yuzvendra Chahal in a post-match video after their 72-run victory.

"Unless I feel 930 to go for it, I don't try.

"Today I felt like I did not need it as much. It was not a situation where to try it, so I didn't."

Buttler's form at the top of the batting order will be crucial to England's hopes of retaining their 50-overs World Cup title in India in October-November.

"Some good nerves coming into the match, the last season feels a long time ago," Buttler said.

"Started fresh and managed to get a nice partnership going with Yash (Jaiswal). We put pressure on the bowlers from the start which is fantastic."

Rajasthan takes on Punjab Kings in Guwahati on Wednesday.

Reuters

Published: Mon 3 Apr 2023, 2:11 PM

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