Gujarat Titans (GT) director Vikram Solanki has elaborated on star batter Jos Buttler's absence on his departure from the Indian Premier League (IPL 2025) Playoffs. The Englishman will depart from India for a national duties as England is set to play ODI and T20I series against West Indies starting from May 29 to June 10.
Speaking after GT's heavy 83-run loss against CSK in Ahmedabad, Solanki stressed that cricket is not an individual sport, and that it is a team game, wherein all the 11 players contribution play a massive role.
“He's not available for the playoffs. So, we will approach the game as a team. It's not about one individual or three individuals, as you keep reminding me - they’ve had good seasons,” Solanki said in the post-match press conference.
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“I'm glad the top order has been scoring most of the runs. That's a good thing. Yes, it means the middle order has sometimes not had the opportunity to bat. But when they have played, I think they've actually given a good account of themselves.”
Kusal Mendis to replace Jos Buttler in the Gujarat Titans squad
In the absence of Jos Buttler, GT have signed Sri Lankan Kusal Mendis as the replacement for the Englishman. Solanki opened about up how GT will approach the playoffs as a team and not as individual player.
“He's not available for the playoffs. So, we will approach the game as a team. It's not about one individual or three individuals, as you keep reminding me - they’ve had good seasons,” Solanki said in the post-match press conference.
“I'm glad the top order has been scoring most of the runs. That's a good thing. Yes, it means the middle order has sometimes not had the opportunity to bat. But when they have played, I think they've actually given a good account of themselves.”
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GT have finished all their league matches in IPL 2025 season. They have won nine games from the 14 matches played. Currently, they are placed second on the IPL 2025 Points Table.
