Virat Kohli ridiculed by Harbhajan Singh while praising Jos Buttler

Former Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh made shocking comments following Jos Buttler's performances in the recent Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 match. Harbhajan Singh stated that Jos Buttler doesn't receive praise like Virat Kohli and MS Dhoni because he is not an Indian player.

Jos Buttler played one of the greatest knocks during the match between the Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). The opening batter scored his seventh IPL century to help his team record a two-wicket victory in a thrilling encounter in Kolkata on Tuesday, April 16. 

The Jaipur-based team was in a challenging position of 121/6 at one stage in the 224-run chase. However, the English batter single-handedly guided the team to victory on the final ball of the match. He scored 107 runs off 60 balls with the help of nine boundaries and six maximums.

Jos Buttler Is A Special Player - Harbhajan Singh

Speaking on Star Sports, Harbhajan Singh described Jost Buttler as a special and incredible player. Harbhajan highlighted Buttler's consistency, stating that Buttler deserves praise like Virat Kohli and MS Dhoni.

"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.

"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," he added.

This knock marks Buttler's seventh century in the history of the tournament. The RR opener's all seven centuries came in winning causes. He is in second place in the list of the most hundreds in the IPL, behind Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) batter Virat Kohli, who has scored eight centuries.

Jos Buttler Was Very Calm And Composed - Harbhajan Singh

Harbhajan Singh commended Jos Buttler for his well-paced innings, highlighting his calm and composed approach. Singh stated that Buttler capitalized on opportunities by hitting boundaries and rotating the strike.

"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," Harbhajan further added.

Buttler scored 42 runs off 33 deliveries at one stage but then changed gears to accelerate his innings. He attacked the KKR bowlers despite wickets falling from the other end. He achieved his century with a six off Varun Chakaravarthy in the final over, reaching the milestone in 55 deliveries.

Following the victory, the Royals have retained the top spot in the table, having won six out of seven matches. The Sanju Samson-led side will take on the Mumbai Indians (MI) in their next match at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur, on Monday, April 22.

Also read: "If Chahal isn't there in Indian team.."- Irfan Pathan warns Rohit Sharma of another World Cup loss