Gujarat Titans` batsman Sherfane Rutherford feels that the absence of premier batter Jos Buttler will be a significant loss for the team in the IPL 2025 playoffs.
Titans` wicketkeeper-batsman Buttler will depart for England soon to fulfil his national duties, as England will lock horns against the West Indies in a home series starting May 29. Notably, the IPL 2025 playoffs are scheduled to begin on the same day as England’s home series.
“Well, to be honest, to get to the team sports, yes, Jos [Jos Butler] is going to be a big loss for us, but I feel like it`s important for us as players to put our hands up. It`s an opportunity for us, you know, to fill in that gap. Yes, we would like to have him, but as I said, it`s important for us as players to put our hands up, so there`s no time to look around on anyone else. It`s just for us as players, you know, to just take responsibility. And, you know, hopefully we can do it to the best of our abilities,” said Rutherford.
The 26-year-old emphasised that Buttler`s absence provides an opportunity for others to rise to the occasion. He also noted that the team should focus on their own performances rather than depending on individual players.
To cover for Buttler, the Gujarat-based franchise has named Kusal Mendis as his replacement for the remainder of the tournament. Buttler played 13 matches for Gujarat this season, scoring 533 runs at an average of 66.63 and a strike rate above 165.
Rutherford, on the other hand, has scored 267 runs in 11 innings at a striking rate of over 160. In his IPL career so far, he has accumulated 373 runs in 21 matches, with a highest score of 46.
Led by Shubman Gill, Gujarat Titans currently sit at the top of the IPL 2025 points table, with nine wins and four losses from 13 matches, tallying 18 points. In their upcoming match, GT will face Chennai Super Kings on May 25 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
(With ANI Inputs)
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