IPL is the best experience I’ve ever had as a cricketer, says Jos Buttler

ENGLAND VICE-CAPTAIN Jos Buttler has divulged that the time he has spent with Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League (IPL) has been his best experience as a cricketer. Buttler feels that the IPL has helped evolve himself into a better player.

Ahead of the second ODI against India at Cuttack, Buttler told PTI,

“I think the IPL is probably the best cricket experience I’ve ever had. I’ve learnt as much, not just about T20 but about myself, about all forms of cricket, about what it takes to become a top cricketer. It’s the best experience I’ve had as a cricketer. Whether other people will feel that, I don’t know. I could only have good things to say about it. So hopefully, from my point of view, there are more English guys involved in experiencing playing in these conditions, in front of these crowds, under the pressure of being overseas players.”

Sources reported that the wicket-keeper batsman is expected to give English teammates his advice ahead of the IPL-2017 auction slated to be held in Bengaluru on February 4.

“It can only stand you in good stead, looking forward to when you play for England, and when you play in different competitions and knockout competitions.”

When asked whether he would focus more on the Champions Trophy nearing in less than six-month’s time or on the cash-rich T20 tournament, the 26-year-old replied,

“It’s a tough question. End of the day, you want to play for England and represent England. Obviously the management will make the call on the players, and the availability for the Ireland games. I think its a great thing for Irish cricket as well to be playing England in England. One of the game is in Lord’s as well, so that’s a good thing for cricket as a whole. It is important for growing the game of cricket as whole. I understand that it is a tricky sort of situation — the IPL is a great experience but playing for England is obviously a fantastic opportunity and a privilege as well. It’s a tough question.”

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