'Massive boost for the Titans ahead of playoffs' - Jos Buttler lauded for timely knock ahead of IPL 2026 playoffs

Former Indian batting coach Sanjay Bangar has lauded Jos Buttler for his brilliant knock against the Chennai Super Kings in the Gujarat Titans' 89-run win in Ahmedabad on May 21.

Put into bat first, the Titans scored a mammoth 229 for 4 in their 20 overs. The openers Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan both scored half-centuries and piled on a 125-run stand off 74 balls. Buttler added the finishing touches, scoring an unbeaten 27-ball 57. He struck at over 210 and hit five fours and four sixes.

Buttler came into the season on the back of a dismal 2026 T20 World Cup campaign, scoring just 87 runs in eight innings. But the 37-year-old has looked at his rejuvenated best in the IPL that followed, scoring 469 runs at a brilliant strike rate of 155.29. Bangar praised Buttler's knock for its importance in the Titans' innings and lauded his form going into the playoffs.

“That was a hugely significant innings from Jos Buttler. He has scored runs this season and showed a different level of dominance and intent. His strike rate completely shifted the momentum of the innings and helped GT post a total that put the game out of CSK's reach. Seeing Buttler in this kind of form is a massive boost for the Gujarat Titans ahead of the playoffs,” Bangar said via JioStar.

GT have exceptionally well-managed bowling attack: Bangar

The Titans have been one of the most clinical bowling sides in IPL 2026 and once again put up a brilliant display, bowling the five-time champions out for 140. Mohammed Siraj started proceedings with a three-wicket burst with the new ball before the resurgent Rashid Khan picked up three more in the middle overs. Kagiso Rabada also picked up three wickets, taking his season tally up to 24 scalps. Bangar praised the pair of Siraj and Rabada for setting the platform early in the innings for the rest of the bowlers.

“Mohammed Siraj and Kagiso Rabada have set the tone beautifully for the Gujarat Titans this season. Bowling extended spells upfront has allowed them to attack consistently without constantly adjusting fields or ends,” Bangar stated.

“Their ability to pick up early wickets has created the perfect platform for the rest of the bowling unit. And when GT gets ahead in the game early, someone like Rashid Khan becomes even more difficult to face. Overall, this has been an exceptionally well-managed bowling attack,” he added.

The win against the Super Kings ensures the Titans will finish in the top two spots and go on to play in Qualifier 1 on May 26 at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamshala.