Jos Buttler Is On The Verge Of Surpassing Virat Kohli’s Big Feat: As the cricketing world sets its eyes on the upcoming India vs England series, there’s more than just the thrill of the match at stake. This series, commencing on January 22 in Kolkata, promises not only a revival of a historic rivalry but also a potential historic moment in the T20 format. With eight white-ball matches lined up, including five T20 Internationals (T20Is) and three One Day Internationals (ODIs), fans are in for a treat of cricketing excellence. However, the spotlight is particularly on England’s captain, Jos Buttler, who is on the cusp of breaking a significant record held by the now-retired T20I player, Virat Kohli.
The Record in Sight

Jos Buttler, with his dynamic batting prowess, has already amassed 498 runs against India in T20Is. This puts him just 151 runs away from overtaking Virat Kohli’s impressive tally of 648 runs against the same opposition. Kohli’s retirement from T20 internationals after the 2024 T20 World Cup has opened this door for Buttler, making the series not just a battle for supremacy but also a personal milestone for the English skipper.
The Backdrop of Retirement
Kohli’s decision to step away from the T20I format to focus solely on ODIs and Tests adds a layer of intrigue to this series. His absence from the T20Is means that India will be without one of their most prolific run-scorers, changing the dynamics of the team. However, this also means that Buttler’s pursuit of Kohli’s record is not just about breaking it but also about setting a new benchmark in this format against India.
The Series Setup
Starting with the T20Is, India and England will lock horns in what promises to be a showcase of modern-day cricket’s flair and aggression. The series is crucial for both teams, not just in terms of bragging rights but also for assessing their squad’s depth and strategy ahead of future international commitments. For India, led by Rohit Sharma in ODIs, the series is an opportunity to test their bench strength and prepare for the 2025 Champions Trophy where Kohli will be pivotal in the longer formats.
Buttler’s Journey
Jos Buttler has been a linchpin for England across all formats, but his influence in T20 cricket has been monumental. His ability to adapt to situations, whether it’s anchoring the innings or accelerating towards the end, makes him one of the most feared batsmen in the game. His record against India in T20Is showcases not just his skill but also his consistency against one of the toughest bowling attacks in the world.
Moreover, Buttler’s captaincy adds another dimension to England’s campaign. His tactical acumen on the field, combined with his batting, could be the key to unlocking India’s defenses. England will look to Buttler to lead from the front, especially with the record in sight, which could serve as a motivational factor for the team.
Rohit Sharma’s Role
Rohit Sharma, who has scored 467 runs against England in T20Is, will be instrumental in guiding India’s white-ball strategy in this series. Though he has also retired from T20Is, his experience and leadership in ODIs will be crucial. Sharma’s elegant stroke play and ability to read the game could provide balance to India’s batting lineup, which is in transition following Kohli’s T20I retirement. His performance in the T20Is will be watched closely, not for record-breaking but for how he sets up the team for the ODIs.
A Series of Firsts and Lasts
This series is not just about records; it’s about new beginnings and endings. For England, it could mark the beginning of a new era under Buttler’s leadership, setting up his tenure with a significant achievement. For India, it’s about building a new T20I team identity without Kohli, focusing on the emerging talents who will carry forward the legacy.
The narrative of the series will be enriched by the personal milestones of players like Buttler, who could etch his name into the record books against India, and the collective effort of both teams to outdo each other in cricket’s shortest format.
The Bigger Picture
While individual records add a layer of excitement, the essence of cricket lies in the team’s collective performance. For England, this series is an opportunity to assert their dominance in T20 cricket, preparing for future tournaments where Buttler’s record could be a talking point. For India, it’s about resilience, strategy, and the emergence of new stars in Kohli’s absence in T20Is.
As the series unfolds, it will be fascinating to see how these narratives play out, how Buttler chases down Kohli’s record, and how both teams adapt to the new era in cricket. With the backdrop of Kolkata’s cricketing heritage, the stage is set for a memorable clash where history might just be rewritten.