MS Dhoni has something to do with the sixth sense and breeding of wicketkeepers who can captain: Jos Buttler

Rajasthan Royals star Jos Buttler has credited MS Dhoni for the emergence of wicketkeeper captains in the Indian Premier League (IPL). In the ongoing season, three wicketkeeper-batsman apart from Dhoni will be leading their respective teams. KL Rahul will be leading Punjab Kings while Sanju Samson and Rishabh Pant are making their debuts as captain for Rajasthan Royals and Delhi Capitals, respectively.

Buttler himself is a wicketkeeper-batsman and is one of the best in the world in his role. He has also led England in the past. The England star believes Dhoni is the man who has set the trend for wicketkeeper-batsmen. Dhoni has been leading Chennai Super Kings since the inaugural edition of the IPL in 2008. Under him, CSK have won the IPL thrice and are one of the most successful teams in the history of the league.

Buttler was all praise for Dhoni’s captaincy and said that there are a lot of players who want to follow the former India skipper. The 30-year old also stated that wicketkeeper has ‘a brilliant view of the game’ because of their position on the field and it helps decision making easier for them.

“I am sure MSD (Dhoni) has something to do with the sixth sense and breeding of wicketkeepers who can captain. He obviously has been a fantastic captain and there are lots of players who want to follow in his footsteps,” Buttler was quoted as saying by The Times of India.

“I think a wicketkeeper has a brilliant view of the game. That can add to your decision-making as you can see first-hand how the wicket is behaving and the way bowlers are bowling,” he added.

There will be a lot of passion in Samson’s leadership: Jos Buttler

Jos Buttler also spoke about Samson who is gearing up to lead the Royals for the first time in his career. Earlier this year, the Royals sacked Steve Smith as captain and replaced him with Samson after their disastrous campaign in IPL 2020. Buttler is hopeful Samson will do well as a captain this year. He also termed his England teammate Ben Stokes as the X-factor for the Royals.

“We have lots of variety in the team this season with some world-class all-rounders like Ben Stokes and Chris Morris and a new captain. Sanju (Samson) is very exciting player and has a long affiliation with the franchise. He is a very calm person and likes to have fun. I am sure he would try and get across that to the team. There will be a lot of passion in his leadership. I strongly believe Ben Stokes will be the X-factor for our team in this season,” said Buttler.