Jos Buttler, England’s T20 skipper, is under the spotlight at the 2026 T20 World Cup for his modest 53-run haul from four outings. Yet, he’s brushing off calls to focus solely on regaining form, emphasizing team priorities over individual milestones. This bold response targets ex-captain Nasser Hussain’s recent suggestion to anchor innings till the 15th over.
The stats paint a clear picture: solid opens of 21 and 26 against Nepal and West Indies, but dismal shows against Scotland and Italy. On the ‘For the Love of Cricket’ podcast, Buttler delved into T20’s unforgiving nature. ‘You can’t afford to restock form like in Tests; constant scoring pressure defines this format,’ he elaborated.
Dismissing Hussain’s advice with respect, Buttler quipped, ‘Batting 15 overs sounds fun, but match context comes first—I won’t bat selfishly.’ Reflecting on his storied career, he shared, ‘I’ve navigated form lows across formats for 15 years, and recovery always follows perseverance.’
England’s Super 8 spot is locked in, setting up a February 22 clash with Sri Lanka. As the tournament progresses in Candy, Buttler’s leadership and bat will be pivotal for deeper runs.