IPL 2016: Jos Buttler determined to perform during debut season
Mumbai Indians star still eyeing England Test recall
Thursday 21 April 2016 16:19, UK
Jos Buttler is determined to make a huge impact in his debut season at the IPL - but insists he has not lost hope of a Test-match recall.
Buttler will play for reigning IPL champions Mumbai Indians in the 2016 tournament, which begins on Saturday, having been usurped as England's Test wicketkeeper by Jonny Bairstow.
Live Indian Premier League
The 25-year-old, who was purchased by Mumbai for £385,000 in the IPL auction, knows he faces a fight to make the starting XI of his franchise, who are coached by former Australia batsman Ricky Ponting.
However, Buttler says he is looking to carry on his batting form from the World T20 after being given assurances from England supremo Trevor Bayliss that his Test ambitions will not suffer due to his stint in the subcontinent.
"I am proud and want to perform," Buttler told Sky Sports. "I want to get the best out of myself and that goes hand in hand with what is expected of you at Mumbai Indians.
"[Ponting] has told me to practise my fielding and keeping and do all the things I do, so we will work out whether I am in the team for the first game.
"Fingers crossed I am - Mumbai are reigning champions and a settled team but I am here to do my best and take an opportunity if I get it.
"It takes some getting used to - I suppose the only thing you can liken it to is the exposure that footballers get in England. You get a sense of the crowds watching it on TV but being here and seeing people waiting outside the hotel makes you pinch yourself."
"I haven't given up hope on playing Test cricket - there are lots of things I need to improve on but I have been told this won't [affect my Test match aspirations].
"Trevor is a coach with IPL experience and is keen for guys to get in here - I am available and it will only enhance my game."
Buttler believes a spell in the IPL is the boost he needs after being part of England's heart-breaking defeat to West Indies in the World T20 final.
Ben Stokes was clubbed for four successive sixes by Carlos Brathwaite as West Indies smashed the 19 runs they required for victory in the final over.
But Buttler believes his country, who completed a record World T20 run chase to beat South Africa earlier in the competition, are on the cusp of something "special" with eager players and a relaxed coaching duo of Bayliss and Paul Farbrace.
"It's great for me to have this new experience and such an exciting thing to look forward to after the disappointment," he added.
"As a side it was a hell of an achievement and I think it is just the start of something that can be really special.
"We always stuck to the idea that the team that won the tournament was the one that played bold, aggressive cricket and that we would stick to that even if we went out.
"That has been our mantra for 12 months - if we fall on the wrong side, make sure it's from being over-aggressive.
"It's such an enjoyable team to play in - there are lots of young guys who are keen to enjoy and experience international cricket and in Farbrace and Bayliss we have two laidback guys who tell you the basics and then say 'over to you'.
"Less communication gives you more freedom and responsibility to play the way you want. Then, if you fail, it's on your own terms and they are 100 per cent behind that."
Sky Sports is the only place you can watch all the action from the 2016 IPL, starting on Saturday as Kevin Pietersen and the Rising Pune Supergiants face defending chapions Mumbai Indians, including England's Jos Buttler, live on Sky Sports 3 from 3pm. Or watch live without a contract, on NOW TV.
Live Indian Premier League
Live Indian Premier League
Live Indian Premier League
