The World Cup 2023 is set to be the swansong of many international stars. So is Jos Buttler, too, playing in his last ODI World Cup? Will he take ODI retirement after 2023?
His friend and England’s 2019 World Cup-winning captain Eoin Morgan recently spoke on the possibility of Buttler retiring from ODIs.
Speaking for the broadcasters during the India vs England warm-up fixture in Guwahati on Saturday, Eoin Morgan was asked whether Jos Buttler will continue leading England in white-ball cricket, and whether the wicket-keeper will captain England in the 2027 World Cup as well.
Without a doubt, Jos Buttler is the man to lead for as long as he wants: Eoin Morgan
Eoin Morgan, who captained England to their maiden ODI World Cup trophy in 2019 and retired from international cricket in July 2022, opined that given Buttler’s form and fitness, he should be allowed to take his own decision about captaincy and retirement.
Morgan gave his full backing to Buttler, who is one of the best, if not the best, white-ball batsman in the world, and he had led England to their second T20 World Cup title last year in Australia.
“Without a doubt, Jos is the man to lead for as long as he wants, He’s one of the best players in the world, he’s unbelievably well respected in the England changing room and around the world, and has proven that he’s an excellent captain tactically and is an excellent leader. I think that’s just a given, for me,” Morgan was quoted as saying by CricketAddictor.
“You might see some players retiring, but even then you’ll see the same group of players trying to win World Cups. Even though players are in their 30s, they’re fitter, healthier and better medically treated than ever. You would say people should be able to play for longer,” added Morgan.
Morgan himself retired from international cricket at the age of 35, after battling with a dip in form and struggling with a groin injury.
Jos Buttler is currently 33 years old. He will be 37 by the time the 2027 WC comes around. Unless he has form and fitness on his side, it’s difficult to see him continuing to play the ODI format, let alone captain England, four years later.
