Rajasthan Royals (RR) opening batter Jos Buttler was the superstar of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 match on Tuesday. Buttler’s unbeaten ton helped the Royals register the ‘biggest-ever run-chase in IPL history’, 224 runs, against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). Buttler battled cramps and lack of support from the other end of the pitch as he scored 107 off 60 balls to take his team through at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata. After the game, even KKR co-owner Shah Rukh Khan couldn’t resist congratulating Buttler on the performance. The duo’s post-match meet truly won fans’ hearts on the internet. (IPL 2024 Points Table)
In a video that has gone viral on social media, Shah Rukh Khan could be seen asking Buttler to keep seated, understanding the pain the England wicket-keeper batter went through during his stay in the middle. But, Buttler still stood up and shook the Bollywood actor’s hand and gave him a hug. Here’s the video:
Shah Rukh Khan is appreciating Jos Buttler.. Truly he is the most Humble Superstar of India pic.twitter.com/1ZG5ydyrNj
— Riyaz (@RiyazSrkian) April 16, 2024
After the game, Buttler admitted that he had doubts over getting Rajasthan across the line.
“Keep believing, that was the real key today. At times, felt like I was struggling a bit for rhythm. Actually have been watching the golf and I saw a guy called Max Holmes. Anytime the negative thoughts come, I think the complete opposite and dare to dream. That’s what kept me going. At times you feel frustrated or you are questioning yourself. I was trying to tell myself it’d be okay, keep going, you’ll get your rhythm back and try to stay calm.
Having seen legends like Virat Kohli and MS Dhoni do a similar job for their team on multiple occasions, Buttler also had the self-belief of taking RR home. Advice from Kumar Sangakkara, Sri Lanka legend, also helped the Englishman a lot in the situation.
“There’s been plenty of times throughout the IPL, you’ve seen crazy things happen. Guys like Dhoni and Kohli, the way they stay till the end and keep believing, you’ve seen it so many times in the IPL and I was trying to do the same. That’s something Kumar Sangakkara has told me a lot – there’s always a little breaking point. The worst thing you can do when you are not feeling your best is to fight it and try to force the issue and give your wicket away. He just tells me to stay there and at some point, the momentum will change or you’ll find your rhythm or one shot will get you going.
“That’s been a big part of my play over the last few years – try to stay the course and not get in my own way. (His greatest IPL innings?) I would think so. Anytime you’re not out at the end to see your team through, especially off the last ball, in a big run-chase, very satisfying,” he concluded.
