The highly anticipated five-match T20I series between England and the West Indies ended in a 3-1 victory for England, with the final match being abandoned due to rain. England’s dominance was driven by standout performances from both bat and ball. Saqib Mahmood and Jamie Overton were exceptional with the ball, consistently dismantling the West Indies' batting order, while Phil Salt and Jacob Bethell shone in the batting department, anchoring England’s victories. The series also marked a triumphant return for Jos Buttler, who came back from injury and provided stability as a leader and batsman, underlining England's depth and resilience in white-ball cricket.  

For the West Indies, the series was marred by inconsistency and the absence of key players. Losing Andre Russell at the outset was a significant blow, and their experienced batters—Brandon King, Nicholas Pooran, Shai Hope, and Shimron Hetmyer—failed to deliver. Despite this, Rovman Powell and Evin Lewis showed glimpses of form, offering some respite in an otherwise lackluster batting performance. In the bowling department, Akeal Hosein and Gudakesh Motie were relatively effective, but Alzarri Joseph and Romario Shepherd struggled to find consistency. Ultimately, the West Indies were outplayed by a well-rounded England side, leaving them with much to ponder ahead of their next series.

See Also: Tilak Varma's consecutive centuries secure series victory for India against South Africa (3-1)

Analyzing the Top 6 batters from this series 

The England vs. West Indies T20I series saw some exceptional performances with the bat, and Phil Salt emerged as a standout player for England. In four innings, Salt amassed 162 runs at an impressive strike rate of 165.31, including a brilliant century with a highest score of 103. His boundary percentage of 71.6% reflects his dominance in power-hitting, as he smashed 14 fours and 10 sixes. Salt's ability to combine power with precision was instrumental in England's success, setting the tone for their victories.  

Rovman Powell was the bright spot for the West Indies, scoring 153 runs in four innings. With a strike rate of 133.04 and an average of 38.25, Powell showcased his ability to anchor innings while accelerating when needed. His innings of 54 stood out as a measured yet impactful contribution. Powell's boundary percentage of 64.05%, combined with 11 sixes, highlighted his knack for clearing the ropes, offering a glimmer of hope for the West Indies amidst a disappointing series.  

Jacob Bethell's performances for England were equally remarkable. In just four innings, he scored 127 runs at a phenomenal average of 127 and a strike rate of 173.97. His two half-centuries, with a top score of 62, emphasized his consistency and maturity. Bethell's boundary percentage of 64.56%, complemented by 10 fours and 7 sixes, showcased his ability to find gaps and clear boundaries at will, making him a key contributor to England's batting success.  

England skipper Jos Buttler, making a comeback from injury, delivered a strong performance with 125 runs in four matches at a strike rate of 168.92. His unbeaten 83 demonstrated his trademark aggression and timing, as he smashed 10 fours and 9 sixes. Buttler's boundary percentage of 75.2% was among the highest in the series, proving that he had not lost his touch despite a long injury layoff. His leadership, coupled with his batting form, provided England with a significant edge.  

Evin Lewis and Will Jacks also contributed to their respective sides but with contrasting styles. Lewis scored 121 runs for the West Indies at a strike rate of 161.33, relying heavily on boundaries, with 80.99% of his runs coming from fours and sixes. In contrast, Jacks managed 112 runs for England, with a focus on strike rotation, achieving a strike rotation rate of 41.07—the highest among the top performers. Their contributions, though overshadowed by their teammates, were valuable in adding depth to their lineups and maintaining the competitive edge throughout the series.

See Also: Marco Jansen’s fiery knock gives South Africa hope but falls Just 11 runs short

Mumbai Indians, the five-time champions, have acted as one of the cornerstones of the Indian Premier League's emergence, thanks to their illustrious campaigns and campaigners who have represented the blue squad. But the same side finished the previous season at the bottom of the points table. Through the forthcoming auctions, many fanatics expect a comeback through a major restructuring. 

With the retention of their central pillars across all the departments (Jasprit Bumrah, Hardik Pandya, Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav and Tilak Varma), the management under the coaching guidance of Mahela Jayawardene will be eager to acquire such players that align to their objectives and fill the significant voids. That said, here we look at the top five names that the Mumbai Indians should go all for in the 2025 IPL Mega Auction, and the commonality between all the names is that all the suggested players have donned the blue jersey at least once. 

Trent Boult

Trent Boult should be among the first names on the top priority list of Mumbai Indians' mega auction game plan. Roping the Kiwi speedster will bolster the pace of the attack that Jasprit Bumrah has already helmed. Boult's athleticism on-field will also help the side in the most advantageous ways possible.

The 35-year-old left-arm pacer is one of the best bowlers of the contemporary era, known for his ability to take wickets with the new ball. He played well for his last team, the Rajasthan Royals, and was a vital bowler for the past three seasons. In 2024, he took 16 wickets in 16 matches with an economy rate of over eight. 

Yuzvendra Chahal

Yuzvendra Chahal, the star Indian leg-spinner, is the most successful bowler in IPL history. Chahal debuted in the IPL with MI in 2013 but quickly rose to prominence with RCB and RR. Overall, Chahal has become linked with consistency. Despite amassing mountains of wickets for RR over the previous three IPL seasons, the Sanju Samson-led club did not keep Chahal, and he will now be available in mega auctions, where MI might target him.

Overall, Chahal has become linked with consistency. MI has missed the presence of a great spinner over the previous three seasons, and Chahal can replace that need. In 2024, he has 18 wickets from 15 matches.  

Jos Buttler

Jos Buttler, the prominent English wicketkeeper batter, has already been a "hot topic" in the auction pool after being left off the Rajasthan Royals' retention list. Every club that participates is eager to have Buttler on their roster.

Buttler spent many seasons with the Mumbai-based squad under Rohit Sharma's supervision after making his IPL debut with MI in 2016. However, his long-term contributions to the inaugural winners have been immense, and his former team will dearly miss him in future editions. In just 11 matches, he has 359 runs and two three-digit mark numbers.  

Also Read: IPL 2025: 5 players Chennai Super Kings should target for in the upcoming mega auction

Nehal Wadhera

Nehal Wadhera appears to be one of the candidates whose side may exercise their only RTM (Right-to-Match) in the next auction. However, it is strongly recommended that the team go all-in for him, as this would assist them in aligning with their future chances.

The southpaw is adept at countering both spin and speed. He has a decent attitude and can be a floater anywhere in the lineup. The 24-year-old joined the organisation in 2023 and was impressed with his bat, strengthening the middle order. In 2024, he has played six games and scored 109 runs, which may appear modest but has a lot of potential beneath. 

Akash Madhwal

Akash Madhwal, a young Indian bowler who can take wickets at any point of the game, is usually a popular pick at the IPL mega auction. Madhwal has amazed everyone throughout his two seasons in Mumbai. He joined the franchise in 2023 and had an immediate effect.

In his first-ever IPL edition, he grabbed 14 wickets in eight games, the best of which was 5/5. His rapid pace may give some batters nightmares during vital game moments. As a result, Madhwal might be one of the players the Mumbai Indians use their RTM on in the blockbuster action, but they still should go for him. In his 2024 tenure, he got five wickets in five games. 

The Indian Premier League stands with a Sanskrit Slogan, "Yatra Pratibha Avsara Prapnotihi", which translates to where talent meets opportunity, symbolising an open platform for everyone to showcase their cricketing abilities, be it the local or overseas players. Foreign campaigners have played a significant role in evolving IPL into what it is now.

Many have left a long-lasting impact and created fanbases, signifying their gameplay and attitude. With the recent retention list having some unexpected releases, it is evident that not just the franchises but even the franchises would be up for an intense ride in the upcoming 2025 IPL Mega Auction. That said, here are the probable five foreign players who have the potential to convert their most expensive bids in the forthcoming Mega Auction.

Jos Buttler

Jos Buttler's release from the Rajasthan Royals squads was the most shocking regarding the foreign player's released list. Jos Buttler is among the most beloved foreign players with an ardent fanbase, thanks to his impactful calibre and genuine personality. Buttler acted as a saviour in many instances for the Rajasthan Royals side, where he talked with the bat and occasionally as a captain and wicketkeeper.

With many teams eager to have a robust captain and wicketkeeper batter option in their squads, it is no surprise that the English cricketer attracts one of the highest bids in the upcoming 2025 IPL Mega Auction. 

Glenn Maxwell

Glenn Maxwell and his future stint with Royal Challenger Bengaluru was under the grey clouds, as he couldn't perform up to the mark. But the whole cricketing world is aware of his impeccable impact creation as a batter, bowler and fielder, not just limited to the IPL but even on an International level. Though he didn't unleash his game in the previous edition, Maxwell's association with the Bengaluru franchise has been valuable, where the team had the prominent trio of KGF (Kohli, Glenn & Faf).

Maxwell has always been known for having memorable seasons for a few franchises, and no doubt the cluster of ten sides would be eager to break the bank for him. Though his release surprised many, as his former franchise has three Right-to-Match (RTM) cards, he will likely return to his old squad. 

Faf du Plessis

Faf du Plessis rose to fame as a reliable opening batter and a side captain, and he got them to the playoffs twice out of his three captaincy tenures. Faf has been a mastermind in Royal Challengers Bengaluru's impeccable comeback to the playoffs spot from rock bottom.

To add the cherry on top, he has recently led a triumphant Lucia Kings to their first title in the recent Carribean Premier League edition (CPL). As it implies, several teams are eager to have the South African captain on their roster, making him one of the probable overseas players who can have a huge lump sum of money through the upcoming Mega Auction process.

Also Read: IPL 2025: Top-5 probable most expensive Indian players in the upcoming IPL Mega Auction

Trent Boult

Trent Boult has been one of the prominent left-hand pacers in the cricket world. He is humorously touted as the football player, thanks to his powerplay run giving nightmares to the batters and having bowling figures equivalent to a football game scorecard. Whatever the franchise it was, the Kiwi speedster always left a long-lasting impact on the ball and has gone along with his respective franchises.

Especially in a batters-dominated T20I landscape, there would be many rosters who would be willing to go for a high bid for acquiring Trent Boult's lethal pace and athletism, keeping in mind that the IPL Mega Auction is known for having players in the long run. 

Jake Fraser-McGurk

Jake Fraser-McGurk rose to fame for his swashbuckling batting approach and bolstering the team's batting order. Played his first-ever IPL edition for the Delhi Capitals, McGurk was able to obtain a colossal strike rate in just a minimal number of matches, which signifies his promising and astute power-hitter.

Despite his memorable run, Delhi Capitals has released his services but could have a possible retention through the RTM cards feature. However, it is evident that several teams are eager to acquire him in the long run, as this tournament has been a cornerstone in evolving new and emerging talent. 

English white-ball captain Jos Buttler’s frustrating recovery process continues as he is set to miss the ODI series in the West Indies tour, starting on October 31. 

The 34-year-old Jos Buttler hasn’t played a match since the semi-final defeat against India in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 last June. During his preparation ahead of the Hundred, he got a calf injury. 

Jos Buttler missed out on two home white-ball series

Due to the injury, Buttler missed the entire Hundred along with the home white-ball series against Australia, where they played three T20Is and five ODIs. 

After the ongoing three-match Test series against the hosts Pakistan, which is a part of the 2023-2025 ICC World Test Championship, England will travel to the West Indies for a three-match ODI series and five-match T20I series. 

The ODI series will begin on October 31. North Sound will host the first two ODIs, as the second ODI has been scheduled for November 2. Bridgetown will host the last ODI on November 6.

Bridgetown will also host the first two T20Is on November 10 and 11. Gros Islet will then host the last three fixtures of the T20I series on November 15, 17, and 18. 

ECB announced Buttler's replacement

Although Bullter was expected to be available for the complete West Indies tour, it is now revealed that the white-ball captain will miss the ODI series. In his rehabilitation, Buttler suffered a slight setback. Uncapped wicketkeeper-batter Michael Pepper has replaced Jos Buttler in the ODI squad. 

However, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has confirmed that Buttler will be available for the T20I series in the West Indies. 

In the absence of Buttler, Phil Salt led the English team in the home T20I series against Australia, and Harry Brook was the English ODI captain against Australia. 

Liam Livingstone will lead the English ODI team in the upcoming West Indies tour. The ECB will add about two players for the West Indies tour after the team selection of the Rawalpindi Test, starting on October 24.

England limited-overs captain Jos Buttler has returned to the England squad for the upcoming limited-over tours in the West Indies. 

After the completion of the England tour of Pakistan for a three-match Test series, England will tour the West Indies for a three-match ODI series and a five-match T20I series. North Sound will host the first two ODIs on October 31 and November 2, while Bridgetown will host the last ODI of the series. 

Later, Bridgetown will host the first two T20Is on November 10 and 11. Gros Islet will host the last three T20Is on November 15, 17, and 18.  

SEE ALSO: Four months without pay; Pakistan's players await salaries ahead of World Cup

Jos Buttler is returning from an injury

The 34-year-old English cricketer Jos Buttler hasn’t played in professional cricket since England’s semi-final defeat against India in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 in the West Indies and the United States last June. 

Before his match in the Hundreds, Buttler sustained a calf injury in the training session. Although he was expected to be fit before the recently concluded home white-ball series against Australia, his recovery took longer. 

Jafer Chohan created a history

The 22-year-old leg-spinner Jafer Chohan has earned his maiden national team call-up. He is the first from the South Asian Cricket Academy to be selected to an England men's squad.

All-rounder Dan Mousley and right-arm pacer John Turner are the other uncapped names in the 14-member white-ball squad for the upcoming West Indies tour. While both were selected in the recently concluded home white-ball series against Australia, Turner also previously toured in the West Indies last December.

Two more players will be named

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has also confirmed that two more players from the Pakistan Test series squad will join in the white-ball series for the West Indies tour. These two names will be confirmed after the selection of the third Test team, which Rawalpindi will host from October 24.   

Before the West Indies tour, England will travel to Pakistan for a three-match Test series, which will also be a part of the 2023-2025 ICC World Test Championship.   

Jos Buttler (Captain), Jofra Archer, Jacob Bethell, Jafer Chohan, Sam Curran, Will Jacks, Liam Livingstone, Saqib Mahmood, Dan Mousley, Jamie Overton, Adil Rashid, Phil Salt, Reece Topley, John Turner.

England's white-ball captain, Jos Buttler, has expressed his enthusiasm for working with Brendon McCullum as the newly appointed head coach across all formats. Buttler, known for his aggressive playing style, believes that his mentality aligns well with McCullum's, who has brought an innovative approach to England's Test team. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) announced in September that McCullum would take charge of the white-ball sides, adding to his existing responsibilities as the Test team coach.

McCullum takes charge of white-ball cricket

In a significant shift for England cricket, McCullum, who has been head coach of the Test team since May 2022, was handed the responsibility for both the red-ball and white-ball formats, with his contract extended until the end of 2027. The transition will officially take place in January 2025, beginning with England’s white-ball tour of India, followed by the ICC Champions Trophy. McCullum’s success in revitalizing the Test side has made him a popular figure within the team, and his expanded role reflects the trust the ECB has placed in him to lead England across formats.

Until McCullum’s full-time appointment in 2025, Marcus Trescothick will serve as the Interim Head Coach for England’s upcoming white-ball series against Australia and the Caribbean tour later this year. McCullum’s extended role was strongly endorsed by former captain Eoin Morgan, and the shift comes after former white-ball coach Matthew Mott stepped down following England’s disappointing campaign at the T20 World Cup, where they failed to defend their title.

"I have a bit of a relationship with [Brendon McCullum] Baz but I'm looking forward to spending more time with him. I'm looking forward to digging into the cricket side of things. He will help me so much as a captain," Buttler said. 

"We're similar in the way we see the game but just getting to spend time with him and opening my eyes to certain things or the other way around. For me, I want this to be the most enjoyable part of my career. I've played for a decent amount of time now so maybe a shift in the goalposts of what you really want to achieve and for me that's helping guys become what they can be and building towards two big events later on," he further added.

Buttler’s confidence in McCullum’s leadership

Jos Buttler has welcomed the move, expressing excitement at the prospect of digging into McCullum’s cricketing mind. Known for his aggressive and fearless brand of cricket, Buttler sees McCullum’s philosophy as a perfect match for his own playing style. Speaking about the appointment, Buttler said, “Brendon brings an exciting, forward-thinking approach, and I am looking forward to working closely with him to take England’s white-ball cricket to new heights.”

McCullum also shared his excitement about the expanded role, noting that he is ready to embrace the challenge of managing both the Test and white-ball teams. "I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time with the Test squad, and I’m excited to extend that energy to the white-ball sides," McCullum said. "Working with someone like Jos Buttler, who shares the same aggressive outlook on the game, will be an exciting journey."

See Also: India’s vice-captain Shubman Gill to miss Bangladesh T20 Series

As England gears up for a busy cricket calendar, Buttler and McCullum’s partnership is set to shape the future of England cricket in all formats, with high hopes of continued success and innovation under their leadership.

India’s cricket team ended a decade-long wait for an ICC trophy by defeating South Africa in a thrilling T20 World Cup final at the Kensington Oval in Barbados on June 29. This victory made India only the third team after the West Indies and England to win two titles in men’s T20 World Cup history. Under the captaincy of Rohit Sharma, India had a perfect campaign, finishing unbeaten and showcasing their dominance on the world stage.

See Also: No congratulatory post from Shubman Gill after India’s T20 World Cup 2024 win; Fans react

India’s journey through the T20 World Cup was nothing short of spectacular. The team won every match leading up to the final, displaying a blend of tactical brilliance, skill, and resilience. Key victories against top teams set the tone for their successful campaign, culminating in the final against South Africa.

Top 5 captains of T20 World Cup 2024

1. Rohit Sharma

Rohit Sharma led India to their second T20 World Cup title, ending a decade-long wait for an ICC trophy. His strategic brilliance and ability to inspire his team were key factors in India’s unbeaten run.

Rohit took over India’s captaincy in the shortest format after the underwhelming outing from the team in the 2021 T20 World Cup. In his first outing as captain in T20 World Cup, Rohit had led the team to the semifinal in Australia two years back. It was a campaign that ended with a comprehensive defeat against England.

Rohit Sharma’s leadership was instrumental in India’s triumph. Rohit led with a calm demeanor and strategic acumen. His ability to inspire the team and make crucial decisions under pressure was evident throughout the tournament. Rohit’s record as a captain is impressive, with 50 wins from 62 T20I matches, including the World Cup final.

2. Adien Markram

Markram’s leadership saw South Africa reach their first-ever World Cup final in men’s cricket. His calm demeanor and strategic acumen were instrumental in their campaign.

Adien Markram’s captaincy was pivotal to South Africa’s success in the tournament. His leadership style, characterized by calmness and strategic thinking, helped the team navigate challenging situations. Markram’s own performances with the bat and in the field were crucial, as he led from the front and inspired confidence in his teammates.

South Africa had a commendable campaign, reaching the final after several impressive performances. The team showed resilience and skill, particularly in the knockout stages.

As a captain, Markram’s record is stellar. It goes back before the eight wins at T20 World Cup 2024, two wins in as many starts as skipper in the absence of injured Temba Bavuma at ODI World Cup 2023, having also gone six from six 10 years ago as the Proteas won the 2014 edition of the Under 19 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup.

3. Rashid Khan

Rashid Khan led Afghanistan to their maiden T20 World Cup semifinal, showcasing resilience and skill. His performances with the ball and as a leader were exceptional.

Afghanistan’s journey to the semifinals was one of the tournament’s highlights. Under Rashid Khan’s leadership, the team defeated top-ranked sides, including New Zealand and Australia. Afghanistan’s rise in cricket has been remarkable, and their performance in this World Cup was a testament to their growth and potential.

4. Jos Buttler

Jos Buttler’s England reached the semifinals, where they were outplayed by India. Despite the loss, Buttler’s leadership and England’s journey were noteworthy.

England’s campaign in the T20 World Cup had its ups and downs. After a shaky start, the team found their rhythm and made it to the semifinals. However, India outplayed them in the crucial match. Jos Buttler’s leadership was commendable, and England’s journey was filled with valuable lessons and experiences.

5. Rovman Powell

Rovman Powell’s West Indies had a mixed campaign, starting strong but faltering in key matches. Powell’s leadership helped the team progress, but they ultimately missed out on the semifinals.

The West Indies, co-hosts of the T20 World Cup 2024, had a promising start but faltered in key matches. Under Rovman Powell’s captaincy, the team showed glimpses of their potential but ultimately missed out on a semifinal berth. Powell’s leadership saw the team make progress, but there were areas that needed improvement.

The curtains on arguably the most exhilarating of all T20 World Cups were drawn with India’s magnificent triumph over South Africa in a pulsating final that aptly summed up the entire tournament. It twisted this way and that till the very end, leaving fans on the edge of their seats. India, with their embarrassment of riches in terms of talent and an unerring determination to win, emerged victorious, solidifying their position as one of the true behemoths of modern cricket.

With this victory, India became just the third side to win the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup twice, England (2010, 2022) and West Indies (2012, 2016) being the only other teams to have achieved the feat.

See Also: India-W vs South Africa-W Day 3 Stumps: India Women in strong position as South Africa Women trail by 105 runs in their second innings

Top 5 game-changing moments of T20 World Cup 2024

1. Suryakumar Yadav’s catch

The final over was nail-biting with South Africa needing 16 runs to win. David Miller smashed the ball over the bowler, destined to fly over the boundary ropes. But then, Suryakumar Yadav intervened.

He plucked it out of thin air, juggled it as he went over the ropes, and managed to hold on with his feet millimeters away from the boundary cushion. Third umpire Richard Kettleborough deemed it a legal catch, extinguishing South Africa’s last batting hope with Miller departing for 21.

Kagiso Rabada got a lucky boundary on the next ball after Miller’s dismissal, but South Africa managed just four more runs in the final four balls, including another dismissal, as India secured a narrow 7-run win.

2. Bumrah bagged wicket of Rizwan

Jasprit Bumrah’s prized scalp of Mohammad Rizwan (31 off 44) in the 15th over was a turning point. Rizwan, guiding Pakistan with composure, fell to Bumrah’s stunning delivery, flattening the stumps.

The moment India won the game came in the first ball of the 15th over. The stumps lay flattened. Mohammad Rizwan, on his knees, dragged himself onto his feet from the pits of disgust. Jasprit Bumrah was wheeling away wildly, his equally excited teammates leapt onto him.

The match almost in the jaws of Pakistan, Bumrah produced a moment as only he could. Bumrah’s electrifying celebration reflected the importance of this wicket. Rizwan’s dismissal brought the crowd to their feet and reinvigorated India’s supporters.

3. Bumrah’s picked wicket of Travis Head

Travis Head’s resilient knock and partnership with Mitchell Marsh brought Australia within reach of India’s challenging target of 206 runs. Kuldeep Yadav broke this crucial partnership, but it was Bumrah’s dismissal of Head in the 17th over that was pivotal.

Bumrah, bowling from around the wicket, delivered a slower ball on the stumps. Head backed away and attempted a big swing but was completely deceived by the change in pace. The ball went high into the off side, where Rohit Sharma, positioned at covers, settled under the ball and took a pressure-filled catch. Head’s dismissal was a significant relief for the Indian camp, bringing them closer to victory. With Australia’s required run rate climbing, they needed 53 runs off the final 17 balls.

4. Aiden Markram’s superman-show

In the final over against England, Aiden Markram took a brilliant catch to dismiss the in-form Harry Brook, sealing the game for South Africa. Brook was looking in good touch against the Proteas as he helped stitch a crucial partnership with Liam Livingstone worth a 78-run stand in 42 balls to take England’s chase of 164 back on track. While Liam Livingstone was dismissed after a 17-ball 33, Brook looked to carry on and went past his half-century in relatively quick fashion and was looking to put an end to the chase.

During the final over of the chase, England needed 14 runs in the last six balls to win the match. Anrich Nortje was bowling the last over and Brook aired the very first delivery. Markram took a brilliant catch running back from mid-off. He had his eyes set on the ball as he was running back and looking over his right shoulder. He stretched fully and completed the catch to take the game away from England.

5. Axar Patel’s magic against Jos Buttler

In the semifinal between India and England, Axar Patel’s impressive delivery on the very first ball dismissed Jos Buttler, who attempted a reverse-sweep but misjudged the ball.

It was the first delivery of the fourth over and Axar Patel bowled it full on off. Jos Buttler had made his mind and went for a reverse-sweep but got into a bizarre position and the ball looped up in the air off the bottom of his blade behind the stumps. 

Rishabh Pant took an easy catch, giving India the breakthrough they needed. Patel’s dismissal of Buttler set the tone for India’s defense, leading to their competitive total of 171.

Following Liam Livingstone‘s departure from the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) season, Rajasthan Royals bid farewell to another English cricketer as explosive batsman Jos Buttler exits the tournament to fulfil his national commitments.

Buttler’s Farewell: Rajasthan Royals Lose a Key Player

In a poignant video shared by the Rajasthan Royals’ official social media handle, Jos Buttler is seen bidding farewell to his teammates before departing from the Royals’ camp. His departure leaves a void in the team, depriving Rajasthan of a critical player known for his explosive batting prowess.

Liam Livingstone’s Departure: English Exodus from IPL Continues

The exit of Jos Buttler marks the continuation of a trend wherein English players have been leaving the IPL midway to prepare for international duties. Liam Livingstone’s departure preceded Buttler’s exit, adding to the list of English stars relinquishing their IPL campaigns for national duty.

See Also: GT vs KKR: Toss delayed due to bad weather; Check latest updates

Liam Livingstone’s premature departure from the IPL was driven by concerns over his fitness, particularly his troublesome knee. Having suffered from a series of muscle injuries recently, Livingstone prioritized his recovery for the T20 World Cup to ensure his availability for England’s campaign.

ECB’s Call: National Duty Beckons for England Players

The decision to leave the IPL stems from the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) call for World Cup-bound players to return to the national setup ahead of the crucial series against Pakistan. With the T20Is against Pakistan serving as a dress rehearsal for the upcoming T20 World Cup, key players like Buttler become imperative for England.

Following Livingstone and Buttler’s exit, the rest of England’s World Cup squad members who participated in the IPL are expected to return home. Players like Will Jacks, Reece Topley, Moeen Ali, Jonny Bairstow, Sam Curran, and Phil Salt will join their teammates in England, where they will regroup ahead of the series against Pakistan. The squad is scheduled to reconvene in Leeds ahead of England’s first T20I against Pakistan at Headingley on May 22.

Reunion in Leeds: England Squad Gathers for T20I Against Pakistan

The England squad’s reunion in Leeds marks the beginning of a crucial phase in their preparation for the T20 World Cup. As players regroup and focus shifts towards the series against Pakistan, anticipation builds among fans as they eagerly await the team’s performance on home soil.

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has decided to recall its players from the Indian Premier League (IPL) just before the playoffs, citing the upcoming T20 World Cup as the primary reason.

Importance of T20 World Cup Preparation

With the T20 World Cup looming, the ECB emphasizes the importance of preparing its players for the global tournament. To ensure adequate preparation and cohesion within the squad, ECB has scheduled a home series against Pakistan, starting from May 22.

See Also: England announce 15-member squad for T20 World Cup 2024

Focus on the Home Series Against Pakistan

In line with this strategy, the ECB has mandated that players selected for the T20 World Cup squad must be available for the Pakistan series, necessitating their withdrawal from the IPL. This decision underscores ECB’s commitment to fielding a competitive and well-prepared team for the World Cup.

ECB’s Announcement and its Implications

The official announcement from the ECB confirms the return of selected players from the IPL in time for the Pakistan series. This announcement clarifies the board’s stance and ensures transparency regarding player availability and commitments leading to the T20 World Cup.

“Selected players, currently playing in the Indian Premier League, will return in time for the series against Pakistan, which gets underway at Headingley on Wednesday 22 May 2024,” ECB said in the release published on its official website.

Rajasthan Royals and Kolkata Knight Riders

The decision to recall England players from the IPL playoffs will significantly impact teams like Rajasthan Royals and Kolkata Knight Riders. Key players such as Jos Buttler and Phil Salt, integral to their respective teams’ batting lineups, will be unavailable for crucial matches.

Additionally, players like Moeen Ali, Jonny Bairstow, Sam Curran, and Liam Livingstone, representing teams like Chennai Super Kings and Punjab Kings, will depart from the IPL. While their absence may not directly affect playoff standings, it diminishes the strength and depth of their respective teams.

England’s T20 World Cup bound players with different IPL teams

Jos Buttler – Rajasthan Royals

Moeen Ali – Chennai Super Kings

Jonny Bairstow, Sam Curran, Liam Livingstone – Punjab Kings

Reece Topley, Will Jacks – Royal Challengers Bengaluru

Phil Salt – Kolkata Knight Riders