Jos Buttler is the best white-ball batter in the world: Gautam Gambhir

Gautam Gambhir has praised Jos Buttler for his white-ball exploits in recent times and also called him the best T20 batter alongside Rohit Sharma. The comments from the former Indian batsman come after Buttler’s fine knock of 83 not out helped England beat India in the third T20I in Ahmedabad on Tuesday. 

With this win, England is now leading the five-match T20I series by 2-1. The England wicketkeeper has been a revelation at the top of the order in the T20s. He has played some match-winning knocks in franchise cricket and for England while opening the batting in the shortest format. On Tuesday, his knock of 83 came off just 52 balls and included five fours and four sixes. 

While speaking on the post-match show of ESPNCricinfo, Gambhir heaped praises for Buttler. He also agreed with former England cricketer Ian Bell, who on the show called the Lancashire player England’s best white-ball batsman. Gambhir further called the wicketkeeper the best white-ball batsman in the world. 

He’s phenomenal, probably the best T20 batter in the world along with Rohit Sharma: Gautam Gambhir

“He’s phenomenal, probably the best T20 batter in the world along with Rohit Sharma. Ian Bell just mentioned he is the best English white-ball batsman. According to me, Jos Buttler is the best white-ball batter in the world,” Gambhir said.

Former Indian opener further noted that Buttler’s range of shots helps him to put pressure on the bowlers. 

“He’s got so many options. I don’t think there is anyone who has got so many options, be it facing the fast bowlers and spinners – the reverse sweep, the lap, everything. He is just phenomenal and once he is in this kind of form, it’s difficult for anyone to stop him because he has so many options,” Gambhir added.

Bell pointed out that Buttler’s improvement with the bat in white-ball cricket has been due to the experience he has gained playing in the Indian Premier League. The right-handed batsman has been a regular feature in the league and will be seen in action for Rajasthan Royals in the upcoming 2021 IPL.

“He’s improved, he’s obviously a lot better. That has to go down to his amount of experience in the IPL and the experience of playing with better players around the world,” Bell said.