IPL 2020: ‘I’m really excited to play my first game,’ says Jos Buttler

The Rajasthan Royals (RR) star batsman Jos Buttler has returned to the nets for the 13th edition of Indian Premier League (IPL 2020) season ahead of the team’s second game against Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) in Sharjah on September 27.

Buttler had missed the opening match as he had arrived in the UAE with his family and was hence in quarantine phase.

However, in Buttler’s absence, Royals made a stunning beginning in this year’s season thrashing Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in their opening match in Sharjah.

Subsequently, the 30-year-old is all set to gear up for the next game of the IPL 2020 campaign against Kings XI Punjab on September 27. He stated that he is extremely excited about his first game and is looking forward to their second win.

“Great to get a win on the board, the team played fantastically well in the first game. It was an outstanding batting performance and a fantastic bowling performance in tough bowling conditions. I am really excited to play my first game, it was great to be back in training with the boys, there’s a great vibe around the team so I’m really looking forward to taking the field.

“The atmosphere and energy around the squad are fantastic, obviously lots of confidence after that first game. The training has been very energetic, guys are lively and enjoying each other’s company. So yeah good atmosphere around, expecting a really tough match against Kings XI,” Jos Buttler said.

KL Rahul will be a key wicket: Jos Buttler

England star batsman also praised KXIP skipper KL Rahul for his blistering knock of 132 runs against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) on Thursday (September 24). He also said that the wicket-keeper batsman will be a key target for the upcoming game.

“Obviously a fantastic team, KL Rahul was in exceptional form the other night against RCB, so he will be a key wicket as always and I think we’ll see another potentially high-scoring game at Sharjah with small boundaries and the dew factor coming in. Can’t wait to get back out there.”

All the other players with the exception of Ben Stokes remain available for the match. Jos Buttler’s presence in the squad will bolster their batting and gives them a better balance going ahead in the tournament.

Also read: IPL 2020: Ben Stokes likely to join the Rajasthan Royals squad in the first week of October