Stuart Broad, Michael Vaughan And Harsha Bhogle Question Rajasthan Royals For Not Playing Jos Buttler As An Opener In IPL 2021 Match Against Punjab Kings

Stuart Broad, Michael Vaughan, and Harsha Bhogle have questioned Rajasthan Royals’ decision to not play Jos Buttler as an opener during Rajasthan Royals vs Punjab Kings match in IPL 2021. All the three were confused and surprised to watch Jos Buttler batting at no.4 position instead of an opener during the match. They expressed their confusion over the matter on Twitter.

While chasing a gigantic 222 run-target set by Punjab Kings, Ben Stokes and Manan Vohra arrived on the crease as openers for Rajasthan Royals. This combination totally failed as Ben Stokes was out for a duck in the 1st over bowled by Mohammad Shami‘s. Later, Manan Vohra also lost his wicket at 12 runs. At the team score of 25, both the openers of Rajasthan Royals had departed from the field.

Why Isn’t Jos Buttler Opening? Tweeted Stuart Broad

England cricketer Stuart Broad called Jos Buttler the best opening wicket-keeper in the world in his tweet and questioned why he is not opening for Rajasthan Royals.

Former English cricketer Michael Vaughan also questioned Rajasthan Royals about their thinking of not sending Jos Buttler as an opener. Indian commentator Harsha Bhogle confessed in his tweet that he doesn’t understand Rajasthan Royals’ batting order. Have a look at their tweets below.

Where Is Jos Buttler?

Why isn’t @josbuttler opening? Or WK? What have I missed? He’s the best Opening WK in the world, does it for England, why wouldn’t he do it at domestic level?

— Stuart Broad (@StuartBroad8) April 12, 2021

And now @josbuttler doesn’t Open !!!!!!!!!! What are you thinking @rajasthanroyals !!!!! #IPL

— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) April 12, 2021

Must confess I don't get the @rajasthanroyals batting order. Buttler is among the best in the world at the top. And Stokes can be a dangerous finisher!

— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) April 12, 2021

Jos Buttler arrived at the crease when Rajasthan Royals were railing at 25-2. Buttler looked in great form as he smashed four consecutive boundaries to Riley Meredith in the 5th over. However, he lost his wicket to Jhye Richardson in the 8th over after scoring 25 runs off 13 balls.

Jos Buttler, who is England’s wicket-keeper and a fabulous opening batsman, did not open the innings or keep the wickets during the match. RR skipper Sanju Samson inducted the wicket-keeper in the playing 11 but chose to keep the wicket-keeper’s role to himself.

Chasing Punjab Kings 221-6 in the match, Sanju Samson played a marvellous knock of 119 runs for Rajasthan Royals. He kept his wicket safe till the end after the dismissals of Ben Stokes, Manan Vohra, and Jos Buttler.

Shivam Dube (23 off 15) and Riyan Parag (25 0ff 11) also played a great cameo to help Sanju Samson in the run chase. However, even after hammering 7 sixes and 12 boundaries during his knock, Sanju Samson failed to bag the victory for Rajasthan Royals. RR needed 5 runs off the final ball but Sanju Samson was caught out at extra cover while seeking to hit a six.