IPL 2024: Rovman Powell provides update on Jos Buttler's return after he misses PBKS-RR tie

Rajasthan Royals (RR) returned to winning ways on April 13 in Mullanpur as they defeated Punjab Kings by three wickets in a low-scoring affair. Jos Buttler missed the game due to an injury as Rovman Powell replaced him in Rajasthan's playing XI.

At the toss, Rajasthan skipper Sanju Samson mentioned that Buttler isn't 100% fit, making way for West Indies T20 skipper Powell to play his first match in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. On a tricky surface, the former champions chased down a 148-run target with three wickets and one ball to spare.

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Shimron Hetmyer and Powell stitched an important 21-run partnership off just seven balls to bring the equation within Rajasthan's grasp. After the latter was dismissed for 11 off 5, a composed Hetmyer finished things off with an unbeaten 27 off 10 balls.

"Definitely, it's important for us to get two points, the guys are keeping up, and credit to the guys. The good thing is we both are calm, we talked that we should run fast, we are West Indians, and we are boundary-hitters. It's a challenge but we are professional cricketers," Powell said in the post-match interview.

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The 30-year-old said that Buttler should be fit in time for Rajasthan's upcoming fixture against Kolkata Knight Riders on April 16 at Eden Gardens, Kolkata.

"I think they are doing some very good work with him, I think he would be out for another day or two but it's good that we have a game in three-four days, so he will likely be back by then. I am a good player, if I not getting games then it means the team is doing well. Whenever I get an opportunity, I will give my best," the destructive batter said.

Earlier in the day, Rajasthan bowlers kept Punjab batters in check for most parts of the innings. Impact Player Ashutosh Sharma's cameo of 31 off 16 balls gave the home side's innings some impetus towards the end, however, the 148-run target was not enough against a confident Rajasthan.