Former Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh stated that Jos Buttler should be given the same respect as Virat Kohli or MS Dhoni after the right-hander scored a match-winning hundred during the match between Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024.
Buttler stayed till the end during RR’s 224-run chase and guided them to a remarkable victory by scoring 107* off 60 balls as his side strengthened their position at the top of the IPL points table.
It was the 33-year-old’s seventh century in the IPL, overtaking the legendary Chris Gayle as he is now just behind Kohli, who has hit eight tons in the tournament so far.
Harbhajan called Buttler a “special” player and said that we don’t talk much about him because he is not Indian.
“He is a special player. He is a player of a different level. Jos Buttler hasn't done this for the first time. He has done this many times and we will see him doing this job many times going forward as well. He is an incredible player. We don't talk much about him because he is not an Indian player," Harbhajan said on Star Sports.
He then stated that Buttler should be given the same respect as Kohli or Dhoni as he has left his mark in the IPL history books.
"If Virat Kohli had scored this century, we would have sung his praises for two months, just like we talk about MS Dhoni's four (three) sixes. We should celebrate him just like we celebrate our players because he is also one of the legends of the game," the former India spinner added.
The former Indian spinner was in awe of Buttler’s knock, praising him for his calmness throughout the innings as he didn't lost his composure despite losing wickets on the other end.
"He was very calm and composed and just continued to do his job. Whenever he got an opportunity, he hit fours and sixes, and took singles and doubles. He kept moving the game forward. When batters are getting out from the other end, it's very important to hold your composure and play your own game," he elaborated.
Comments