Champions Trophy: Buttler Reflects on Confidence Loss After Defeat

Synopsis

Jos Buttler expressed disappointment following England's seven-wicket defeat to South Africa in his final match as captain. He acknowledged that not achieving desired outcomes impacts team confidence and highlighted the need for change and opportunity for younger players.

Key Takeaways

Jos Buttler's disappointing final match as captain.
England's struggles in the subcontinent.
Need for contributions from players.
Opportunity for young talent in the team.
Joe Root's improvement after stepping down as captain.

Karachi, March 1 (NationPress) Jos Buttler appeared dejected as his final match as England’s white-ball captain concluded with a seven-wicket loss to South Africa in their last Group B encounter of the 2025 Champions Trophy. Buttler acknowledged that failing to achieve the desired outcomes can diminish the team's confidence.

England's journey in the subcontinent witnessed them losing the T20I series to India 4-1, experiencing a 3-0 defeat in ODIs, and ultimately exiting the Champions Trophy without securing a single victory. In Saturday's match at the National Stadium, England was bowled out for a mere 179 runs in 38.2 overs, allowing South Africa to complete the chase in just 29.1 overs.

"A truly disappointing performance. We fell significantly short of expectations today. The pitch was decent – relatively slow but somewhat two-paced. We haven't been able to make those big, impactful contributions, which has been a recurring issue for this team with the bat," Buttler expressed.

"Honestly, I’m not sure what’s behind our dismal results. As a collective, we haven’t delivered, which erodes our confidence. It's time for everyone to step back, change their surroundings, and put in the effort," Buttler shared during the post-match presentation.

He reflected on the pinnacle of his captaincy, which was winning the 2022 Men’s T20 World Cup in Australia. "That was an incredible period. Being a World Cup-winning captain is immensely fulfilling. That day remains the highlight of my captaincy career," Buttler added.

Buttler now believes there’s a tremendous opportunity for the younger players in the squad to rise and lead England in limited-overs cricket. "There’s a significant chance for every player in the dressing room and those outside to step up and express their desire to be part of these white-ball teams," he stated.

"The talent is undoubtedly present. I’m confident that Brendon and the leadership team will devise strategies, and it’s up to individuals to express their commitment to restoring this team to its rightful position," Buttler concluded.

When asked if his batting performance would improve, similar to what Joe Root has experienced, Buttler replied, "Joe has been an exemplary figure and a fantastic role model for English cricket. We’ve witnessed him elevate his game since stepping down from captaincy. I hope to follow his example."