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The cricketing world is abuzz with excitement as the Indian Premier League 2024 delivers exhilarating contests game after game, setting the perfect stage for the upcoming T20 World Cup. With the ICC event looming just after the IPL, players from around the globe are leaving no stone unturned to hit their peak form, aiming to enter the World Cup in sublime touch.
Jos Buttler vs Virat Kohli: Opening batting brilliance in IPL 2024
The recent IPL showdown between Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) emerged as another breathtaking battler in the ongoing league, witnessing brilliant centuries from cricketing stalwarts like Virat Kohli and Jos Buttler. Notably, both these players hold pivotal roles as openers for their respective teams and showcased their prowess with remarkable centuries in the match played at Jaipur’s Sawai Mansingh Stadium. However, despite Kohli’s stellar performance, Buttler’s innings stole the limelight and his team clinched victory against Kohli’s RCB.
Apart from the duo of Buttler and Kohli, the IPL 2024 has seen several other opening batters impressing with their performances as well, and this surge of talent has sparked debates on who might emerge as the preeminent opener heading into the T20 World Cup.
Also READ: Shimron Hetmyer and RR’s dugout erupts in joy as Jos Buttler reaches his hundred against RCB with a dramatic six | IPL 2024
Kumar Sangakkara picks the best white-ball opener in the world
Following Buttler and Kohli’s breathtaking centuries in the 19th match of the IPL 2024, Sri Lankan legend and RR’s current head coach, Kumar Sangakkara, weighed in on the debate, picking the best white-ball opener in the world.
A renowned figure in the cricketing world, Sangakkara bestowed the title of ‘best white-ball opener’ upon Buttler, emphasizing that the English batter’s recent rough patch was merely temporary, and he has now returned to his best form.
“Jos is the best white-ball opener in the world, and all he needed to do was sit back and ignore some of the noise,” remarked Sangakkara.
Initial struggles of the batter picked by Sangakkara
It is worth mentioning that Buttler’s journey in the IPL 2024 hasn’t been entirely smooth sailing, and he had an unsuccessful campaign in the initial matches. However, the English skipper remained resilient amidst his rough patch and staged a remarkable comeback against RCB.
As the T20 World Cup draws closer, the declaration of Buttler as the best white-ball opener adds intrigue to the upcoming tournament. With his return to form and the endorsement from a cricketing icon like Sangakkara, Buttler’s role becomes even more crucial for England’s aspirations in the World Cup.
