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Jos Buttler on England’s Loss: “We Started Brilliantly But Lost Momentum”

England skipper admits they “lost momentum” after a strong start as India seals the series with a 15-run win.

Pune, February 1 – England skipper Jos Buttler acknowledged his team’s loss of momentum after a strong start in their 15-run defeat against India in the fourth T20I at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium. With this win, India secured an unassailable 3-1 lead in the five-match series.

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Speaking at the post-match presentation, Buttler admitted that England had the game in their grasp but failed to capitalize on key moments. He praised Shivam Dube’s impactful innings and took responsibility for a dropped catch that could have shifted the momentum in their favor.

“We started brilliantly, taking lots of wickets in the powerplay. At the end of the batting powerplay, we were in a great position, and I think we should have gone on to win,” Buttler told ESPNcricinfo.
“Disappointing—we did some good things. I dropped a catch, and Dube played a really good innings. We were in a fantastic position with the bat, then lost wickets together.”

Buttler emphasized that England needs to “commit more” to their style of play and double down on their strategies to improve performance.

Match Recap: India’s Comeback After a Shaky Start

Winning the toss, England opted to bowl first, and their bowlers quickly put India under pressure by taking three wickets for just 12 runs. Saqib Mahmood’s fiery spell, including a triple-wicket maiden, removed Sanju Samson, Tilak Varma, and captain Suryakumar Yadav, giving England a commanding start.

However, India fought back strongly:
✅ Abhishek Sharma (29) and Rinku Singh (30) built a 45-run stand to steady the innings.
✅ Hardik Pandya (53) and Shivam Dube (53) powered India to a respectable 181/9.

Harshit Rana & Ravi Bishnoi Seal the Win for India

In the second innings, England seemed in control, with Philip Salt (23) and Ben Duckett (39) getting off to a strong start. Harry Brook (51) played a brilliant knock, keeping England in the hunt.

However, India’s bowling attack turned the game around:
🔹 Ravi Bishnoi (3/28) broke crucial partnerships.
🔹 Harshit Rana (3/31), replacing concussed Shivam Dube, delivered key breakthroughs.
🔹 Varun Chakravarthy (2/28) dismissed Brook in the 15th over, crushing England’s hopes.
🔹 Late efforts by Jamie Overton (19) and Adil Rashid (10)* weren’t enough as England was bowled out for 166.

India Eyes Series Finale in Mumbai

With the series already secured, India will face England in the final T20I at Wankhede Stadium on February 2. While India looks to dominate with a 4-1 series win, England will aim for redemption.

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