‘There are areas where I still want to enhance my skills’ – Jos Buttler opens up on retirement thoughts after World Cup 2023

Jos Buttler. (Photo Source: Stu Forster/Getty Images)

Jos Buttler made his international debut in a T20I against India in 2011. Twelve years later, he has established himself as one of the greatest wicketkeeper-batters in white-ball cricket and is set to lead England in the 2023 ODI World Cup in India.

Buttler was a part of the England side that won the ODI World Cup for the first time in the previous edition in 2019 at home. In fact, he took off the bails and ran Martin Guptill out to help England tie the Super Over and emerge victorious on boundary count. In this edition, Buttler will lead the English side as they hope to become the third team after the West Indies and Australia to win back-to-back ODI World Cups.

Ahead of England’s first warm-up game against hosts India, Buttler gave an insight into his retirement plans. The 33-year-old said that he would like to play for the national team beyond the marquee event. He still feels there are areas of the game where he needs to improve and that is what keeps him motivated.

“Hopefully, I will continue playing for England for some time. Despite recently turning 33, I don’t feel that age. Representing your country is a massive honour, and I don’t take it lightly. However, I’m also quite composed about it. I’m excited about what lies ahead. There are still areas where I want to enhance my skills and grow as a player, which is a positive source of motivation,” Buttler said while speaking to Mail Sport.

Over the last decade, it has become quite common to see cricketers retiring from the longer formats of the game and extending their careers on the T20 circuit. Buttler acknowledged that T20 cricket has changed the landscape of the sport and noted that he will choose his post-retirement path accordingly.

“Whatever happens will work out itself. The landscape has changed a bit and there are more opportunities now. It’s just a question of what fits for you moving forward and what’s best,” Buttler said.

We eagerly anticipate the World Cup: Jos Buttler

The swashbuckling batter pointed out that he has a formidable squad of players and remained hopeful of England doing well at the World Cup and possibly going on to retain the title.

“We eagerly anticipate the World Cup, boasting a formidable group of players. Representing your country in the World Cup is a thrilling experience that demands our full focus. We want everyone on the team to stay firmly in the present moment,” Buttler concluded.

England begin their title defence with a match against New Zealand on October 5 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.