How a golfer inspired Buttler to script the Eden Gardens classic
Jos Buttler has credited professional golfer Max Homa for inspiring him to ‘keep believing' in himself after he single-handedly powered Rajasthan Royals to victory against Kolkata Knight Riders in another IPL blockbuster.
Buttler hit an unbeaten 107 to help RR mow down a target of 224 and post a thrilling final-ball win in what was the biggest run chase in IPL history at a sold-out Eden Gardens.
Revealing what was going through his mind during the final stages of the cliffhanger and what motivated him, Buttler said: “(I just) kept believing, I think that was the key today I was struggling a bit for rhythm. And at times you feel frustrated or you are questioning yourself.
“I've been watching some golf (videos) and I saw a guy called Max Homa say anything that if you have any negative thoughts about completely think the opposite and dare to dream. And that‘s what kept me going,” added Butler who has scored seven IPL 100s and three in run chases.
“There's been plenty of times throughout the IPL when you've seen crazy things with guys like Dhoni and Virat Kohli, they stay to the end and keep believing. That's what I tried to do.”
Reflecting on his interaction with former Sri Lankan cricket great and ICC Hall of Famer Kumar Sangakkara, Rajasthan Royals' Director of Cricket, Buttler said: “There's something that Sangakkara has told me a lot - there's always a breaking point. The worst thing you can do is to not fight and give your wicket away.
“He just tells me to stay there and at some point, the momentum will change or just one shot will get you going. That's been a big part of my play for the past two years - to stay the course and not get in my own way.”