‘Shane Warne’s cricket brain unlike any other’ – Jos Buttler
Shane Warne’s effect on the Indian Premier League has always been evident.
He led Rajasthan Royals to the inaugural IPL trophy back in 2008, and though he has mostly kept himself away from the pitch since, his influence in the backroom is still being felt by the team.
After smashing a brilliant 60-ball 95* – a career-best T20 score – for Rajasthan Royals against Chennai Super Kings, England's Jos Buttler spoke of the many ways in which Warne makes his mark.
For starters, it was Warne’s idea to see in Ben Stokes an option as opener. The all-rounder had a hamstring injury at the innings break, and with Rajasthan looking at a chase of 177, it was quickly evident Stokes wouldn’t be able to do the running in the middle overs.
So he was sent out to open with Buttler. "Shane Warne sort of said why don't you go at the top and play with some freedom and try and see if that comes off because he felt like he was going to find it hard in the middle with his running,” said Buttler. “I kept nicking the strike off him at the top (Stokes didn't get strike till the third over), but it was a nice experiment and I think Shane Warne has obviously been a proactive guy and thought why not, let's try it.”
The experiment wasn’t quite a success, Stokes managing just a 7-ball 11, but it is the sort of thought process that Buttler said the Rajasthan players were learning a lot from.
“I’ve loved having him with us. It’s incredible to start talking with him, be it at the ground or in the bus,” Buttler told the host broadcaster. “His brain for cricket is not like anyone I’ve met before, the way he thinks about the game, and the ideas he comes up with. It’s been very thought provoking, listening to him.
“Obviously, strategic time outs are a big part of the game, (during which he’s been) giving his opinion, what does it look like from the outside, which way the game will go, the bowlers we should look to target. His experience and know-how has been invaluable.”
Warne, appointed team mentor in February, isn’t just in the team for his brains, though. He’s proven himself to be an excellent manager as well, creating a unit high in morale. “All of the side enjoy laughing at him, and with him,” said Buttler. “He’s created a very good group morale. He’s great fun to be around.”
It is all part of the IPL experience. The representation of England players at the T20 franchise tournament this year has been at an all-time high of 12, and Buttler said these experiences would prove invaluable to English cricketers.
“Yeah, the IPL has become more and more important for English cricketers. The players have always wanted to come, but it’s tricky because it clashes with our county season,” said Buttler. “And it’s very tough to make the right decision. Guys like Kevin Pietersen, Andrew Flintoff in the first edition, and Eoin Morgan, they’re guys who have been over and played quite a lot.
“Personally speaking, I’ve always seen this as the best tournament in the world, and something I want to be a part of. For the English players, for us to be out here, to experience the pressure of being overseas players, the crowds, and all of these things – for me personally, and I know the other guys – we’re learning a huge amount.
“It’s really beneficial for us as players and we want to take it back to the national side.”