Jos Buttler Praises India’s ‘Frightening’ Cricket Depth, Lauds Sudharsan And Gill’s Consistency

April 4, 2025: England wicketkeeper-batter Jos Buttler, who is currently a part of Gujarat Titans (GT) in the ongoing IPL 2025, has praised the immense depth of talent in Indian cricket, calling it the “world’s best” and “frightening.” The veteran cricketer also lauded his GT teammates, particularly young opening batsman Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan, for their remarkable performances in the tournament.

Buttler, who was signed by GT in the 2022 mega auction for Rs 15.75 crores after seven productive seasons with Rajasthan Royals (RR), has been in stellar form in IPL 2025. In three matches so far, Buttler has accumulated 166 runs at an average of 83.00 and a strike rate of over 172, with two half-centuries, including a best score of 73* against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB).

Buttler was full of praise for Shubman Gill, who is leading Gujarat Titans in IPL 2025. The England international, who has faced Gill in previous matches, spoke highly of the young Indian opener, calling him an “absolute superstar” and someone who is destined for greatness.

“I have played against Shubman a bit. Do not know him too well personally. But obviously, now getting to know him is great. Such an impressive guy. Obviously, he is a fantastic player. He is going to be an absolute superstar, even though he already is,” Buttler said.

Buttler added that it has been a privilege to be in the same team as Gill, praising the young batter for his leadership skills and the way he goes about his work. “He’s leading the team brilliantly well. So, yeah, it’s been a great experience.”

In the ongoing IPL season, Gill has made 85 runs in three matches at an average of 28.33 and a strike rate of over 154. He is also the franchise’s leading run-scorer with 1,884 runs in 48 matches at an average of 43.81, with four centuries and 10 fifties.

Buttler was also “blown away” by the performances of Sai Sudharsan, Gill’s opening partner. Sudharsan has been in scintillating form in IPL 2025, amassing 186 runs in three matches at an average of 62.00 and a strike rate of over 157. He has been the team’s leading run-scorer so far in the season.

“But like I said, when you get to see guys up close, watch them practice, watch them prepare, watch him from the other end in partnership, you sort of, you know, you get a different view. And I have been blown away by what an amazing player he is,” Buttler said, also praising Sudharsan’s consistency in this format.

Sudharsan, who made his IPL debut in 2022, has made 1,220 runs in 28 matches at an average of 48.80 and a strike rate of over 141, including one century and eight half-centuries.

The England batter also spoke about the strength and depth of Indian cricket, calling it “frightening.” Buttler highlighted how the competitive nature of Indian cricket drives players to perform at the highest level, making India’s bench strength the best in the world.

“I do not think anyone in the world game has as much depth as Indian cricket has. That may be natural with a population of one and a half billion or whatever it is. And a cricket-loving country. So, you are going to produce some good players. But, yeah, the strength and depth is frightening, really,” he said.

He also emphasized the importance of competition in Indian cricket, which pushes players to improve constantly. “You can only play 11 players in your national team. So, all the guys are working so hard and training so hard and putting in performances to be there, which is obviously developing quite incredible strength and depth,” Buttler added.

Gujarat Titans will next face Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on April 6, and with two wins and one loss so far in IPL 2025, they are currently placed fourth on the points table. With players like Buttler, Gill, and Sudharsan, GT will be looking to continue their strong performances as they head into the next phase of the tournament.