Virat Kohli confessed his struggles in private chat, claims Jos Buttler

England star Jos Buttler has shared a never-heard-before story about batting stalwart Virat Kohli. The former England skipper opened up on his own struggles and how it led to a deep conversation with Virat Kohli.

Buttler had a phenomenal season with the bat in IPL 2022. He finished the tournament as the highest run-scorer, scoring 863 runs including 4 centuries and as many fifties. However, he struggled to replicate that form in the next season.

I’ve played a lot against Virat - Jos Buttler

In fact, Buttler could not even reach the 400-run mark while plying his trade for Rajasthan Royals. In 14 games, he scored 392 runs, including 4 fifties. While things were not going well on the field, self-doubt crept in and took a toll on his confidence. In the end, Buttler decided to approach Virat Kohli for some suggestions, and it led to a heartfelt conversation between the two.

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"I’ve played a lot against Virat," Buttler told Stuart Broad on ‘For the Love of Cricket’ podcast.

"He’s a huge competitor, but I just thought that I’ll ask him a couple of questions. He had just finished batting. The question was about how you manage expectations. I mean, there are more expectations on him than anyone in world cricket. He was so generous with his time, so helpful. He just had to say ‘Maybe you had that one season. Accept that. Don’t try and replicate it’. It’s ok. Life is going to be fine," he added.

When Virat Kohli opened up about his own insecurities:

Speaking further, Buttler stated that Virat Kohli himself opened up about his own vulnerability and insecurities. Buttler hailed Virat Kohli as the best player of this generation and stated that he was amazed by the former India skipper's insights.

"And then he started talking about some of the insecurities he sometimes has about his game and stuff like that. How he practices. I mean, this is arguably the best player of our generation, especially in white-ball and ODIs.

"I was so thankful for his time and grateful for his insights. Just amazed by the knowledge he had of my own game, what my work. He too is human. He said ‘sometimes I pick up the bat and feel like I don’t know how to play.’ I feel that quite a lot so if he feels that too, it’s ok," added Buttler.

Kohli and Buttler enjoyed fine campaigns in IPL 2025

Meanwhile, both Kohli and Buttler enjoyed fine campaigns in the recently concluded IPL 2025. Kohli finished the competition as the third-highest run-scorer. In 15 games, the former India skipper scored 657 runs with the help of 8 fifties and also helped Royal Challengers Bengaluru win their first-ever IPL trophy.

On the other hand, Buttler plied his trade for the Gujarat Titans this year. The England star scored 538 runs in 14 matches, including 5 fifties.

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