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In the world of T20 cricket, very few names carry the kind of weight Jos Buttler does. A player who can shift the game when needed and handle pressure situations at the top.

As Gujarat Titans, the winners of IPL 2022, prepare for the 2026 season, the conversation around their opener feels a bit different this time. There is a question around his current form. Something that has not really been the case in previous years.

The anomaly of the World Cup 2026

The recent T20 World Cup in 2026 was a phase Buttler would like to move on from. It was a rough patch, something very few would have expected from a player of his level.

He managed just 62 runs in 7 innings, averaging 10.33. The rhythm was missing and he seemed clueless throughout the tournament.

But at the same time, these phases do happen in cricket. For experienced players, it is more about how quickly they can reset and move forward.

Jos Buttler: The pillar of the Gujarat Titans top order

Buttler’s IPL record still remains one of the strongest among overseas batters. His numbers across seasons show consistency and impact rather than just short bursts.

In 2025, he scored 538 runs at a strike rate of 163. That alone shows the kind of role he plays at the top. Going back to 2022, it was a standout season where he scored 863 runs, including four centuries one of the most dominant campaigns in the league.

Across his IPL career, he has scored 4120 with a strike rate close to 150. These are not just numbers; they reflect his reliability over a long period.

He is not just a top order batter either. His wicketkeeping adds another layer of value to the side. Safe hands behind the stumps and good awareness make him a complete package in the playing XI.

For Gujarat Titans, he remains a key part of the structure. The middle and lower order still look relatively inexperienced. When the top order does not provide a solid base, the pressure tends to build quickly.

That is why the responsibility once again lies heavily on the top three and Buttler sits right at the center of it.

Home comforts at Narendra Modi Stadium

A return to familiar conditions could help him settle quickly. The Narendra Modi Stadium offers a surface where stroke play becomes easier once a batter gets set. It is a venue that has suited his game over the years.

In fact, Buttler has played 9 IPL matches here and scored 468 runs at an average of 66.86 and a strike rate of 160.82. These numbers show the kind of comfort he has at this ground.

He has played some important innings here. The bounce and pace allow him to trust his shots more compared to slower surfaces. It gives him that extra bit of confidence early in the innings.

Trust is the key

For Gujarat, the approach remains simple. Give him time at the crease and let him settle, the runs are likely to follow.

There is a bit of uncertainty around him right now, but a player like Jos Buttler cannot be ruled out for long. The experience he brings and the volume of runs he has scored in the IPL and for England still counts for a lot. He is very much capable of turning it around soon.

GT just need to back him and give him that confidence, while the middle order must step up if needed. Buttler remains vital to their campaign.

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