GT vs RR: Mohammed Shami wants to exploit Jos Buttler’s weak point - I'm never overawed by the batter’s reputation
India Today
Mohammed Shami has picked up 18 wickets from 14 matches for the Gujarat Titans. Jos Buttler, on the other hand, is the Orange Cap holder in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022.
Gujarat Titans’ (GT) pacer Mohammed Shami said that he is not intimidated by the prospects of bowling to Jos Buttler in Qualifier 1 of the 2022 Indian Premier League (IPL) against the Rajasthan Royals (RR). Buttler is currently the Orange Cap holder in the T20 tournament, having scored 629 runs from 14 matches at an average of 48.38 and a strike rate of 146.96 with three centuries and as many half-centuries.
Shami, who has taken 18 wickets from 14 games, said that rather than worrying about the batter’s form, he is more focused on his plans and tactics. The pacer was clear cut in saying that Buttler’s form hasn’t bothered him too much.
"As a bowler, you should not be worried about things like who's the highest run-getter. Everyone has a weak point and you can exploit that. You just need to back your skills and keep faith in yourself. I'm never overawed by the reputation of the batsman I'm bowling to," Shami was quoted as saying.
Buttler, on the other hand, talked about getting back his rhythm amidst a lean patch. The right-hander started his campaign with three centuries in the first seven games, but has gone into a slump since then.
"I've obviously been delighted with my form in the IPL, but a bit disappointed with the last few games. (In) the first half (of the IPL) I was playing some of the best cricket I've ever played, and I'm still taking lots of confidence from that going into the playoffs," Buttler said.
Vikram Solanki, Gujarat's director of cricket, stated that Hardik Pandya and Co. should try and carry forward the momentum in the playoffs.
"We can certainly be proud of what we've done, but we must look ahead. The team will rely on what we've done in the group stages in order to get us through what we hope will be a successful knockout stage," Solanki said.
