Jos Buttler struggled with expectations of breaking Virat Kohli's IPL record

Jos Buttler said he struggled to cope with expectations of breaking Virat Kohli's single-season IPL scoring record during his 2022 season with Rajasthan Royals. The England wicketkeeper scored three centuries and a half-century in his first seven matches, reaching nearly 500 runs at the halfway stage. Kohli's record of 973 runs appeared within reach.

Buttler managed only one half-century in his next seven innings, including four single-digit scores. He said the pressure of the record chase affected his performance until he discussed it with coach Trevor Penney. Buttler finished the season with 863 runs at a strike rate of over 149, including four centuries.

The England player revealed he had broken his finger in January and played no cricket before the tournament. He said the lack of preparation and expectations proved beneficial as he started without pressure before the record talk began.