Jos Buttler has been Rajasthan Royals' (RR), go-to person, this season with three centuries and over 700 runs this season prior to their Qualifier 2 match against Royal Challengers Banglore (RCB) at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Friday, May 27. But his recent performances had left much to be desired and a big innings was due for the Englishman. It could not have come at a better time, with Buttler carrying his bat for RR with a brilliant unbeaten century to lead RR to the final.
After the match, the current Orange Cap holder admitted that his expectations for the season were very low, but he is very happy to help his team to the final. He also opened up on his dip in form midway through the season, while praising head coach Kumar Sangakkara for his return to form "I came to the season with very low expectations but a lot of energy. It is very exciting to stand in the final.
"I had a season of two halves, and had very honest conversations with people really close to me. I was feeling the pressure midway, and it was only about a week ago that I opened up about it. It helped me and I went to Kolkata with a freer mind. Sometimes it is not working for me, and there are times when a younger me would have played a shot and come out.
"But it's something that Sanga has been saying that the longer you stay, you give yourselves a chance to find a way. Great excitement to have the opportunity to play in the final of the biggest tournament in T20 cricket."
This will be RR's second final in 15 years after the side won the inaugural IPL trophy in 2008. If the side go on to secure the coveted title it would be the perfect tribute to Shane Warne, who was the captain of RR in that inaugural season and passed away earlier in the year after suffering a heart attack. "Shane Warne has been such an influential figure for RR. We will miss him dearly," Buttler added.
