TATA IPL 2024: Buttler, Jacks, Topley Return for England's T20I vs Pakistan
Jos Buttler, Will Jacks, and Reece Topley have returned to England from the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 to join their respective franchises for the T20I series against Pakistan. England is set to host Pakistan in a four-match T20I series commencing on May 22 in Leeds.
Following Punjab Kings all-rounder Liam Livingstone's departure to England for knee treatment, England's T20 World Cup captain Jos Buttler, along with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) players Reece Topley and Will Jacks, have also returned to England to prepare for the upcoming World Cup.
Rajasthan Royals, led by Jos Buttler, currently holds the second position on the IPL points table. They are scheduled to play their final two league matches against Punjab Kings (PBKS) on May 15 and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on May 19. Buttler has showcased impressive form, amassing 359 runs from 11 games at an average of 39.88 and a striking rate of 140.78, including two centuries.
The Royals dropped a post on ‘X’ where Buttler was seen leaving the team; RR wrote, “We’ll miss you, Jos bhai!” Bengaluru too will miss the services of Will Jacks and Reece Topley in the virtual quarterfinal against Chennai Super Kings, scheduled on May 18. KKR might also miss the services of Phil Salt for the Play-offs who is also expected to leave in the coming days. Salt has amassed 435 runs at a strike rate of 182 in just 12 matches.
Moeen Ali from Chennai Super Kings will be absent for the playoffs, and his availability for the crucial match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on May 18 at Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru is uncertain.
