Mccullum Buttler partnership: England’s new coach aims to free Buttler’s mind and reignite his game

Brendon McCullum has embarked on a mission to rejuvenate Jos Buttler’s game and restore England’s dominance in white-ball cricket. As the new all-format head coach, McCullum is focused on strengthening the McCullum Buttler partnership, aiming to bring out the best in Buttler, whose recent form has been hampered by injury and frustration.

Buttler, England’s white-ball captain, endured a turbulent 2023, including a disastrous World Cup campaign in India, followed by a calf injury that disrupted his 2024 season. McCullum, however, believes the 34-year-old still has plenty to offer. “Jos Buttler’s best years could definitely be ahead of him,” McCullum stated confidently ahead of England’s upcoming T20 series against India.

In a bid to ease the pressures of captaincy, McCullum is urging Buttler to embrace a more relaxed approach. “Sometimes, when you lead later in your career, desperation for success can creep in, leading to frustration,” McCullum explained. “If you let go of that need to prove yourself and focus on elevating those around you, it can unlock even stronger performances.”

McCullum, who observed that Buttler often seemed “miserable” during matches last year, noted a positive change in his demeanour. “He’s smiling now, which is a great sign,” McCullum remarked. Their longstanding friendship, built on shared philosophies, has created a strong foundation for their partnership.

Buttler is set to bat at No. 3 in the upcoming T20 series and will relinquish wicketkeeping duties to focus on his leadership role. McCullum explained the decision, saying, “This allows him to have the last say with the bowlers and build stronger relationships in the heat of the moment.” Phil Salt and Jamie Smith will take on wicketkeeping responsibilities during the tour.

England’s busy schedule begins with five T20 matches and three ODIs in India, followed by the Champions Trophy in Pakistan. While McCullum is focused on revitalising Buttler, he also faces questions about Ben Stokes’s future in white-ball cricket. Stokes, recovering from a hamstring injury, will miss the Champions Trophy and hasn’t played a limited-overs match for England since late 2023.

McCullum acknowledged the challenges of managing Stokes, describing him as “a maverick” whose fearless style comes with risks. “We don’t want a vanilla, Ben Stokes. We want the maverick that we’ve got,” McCullum stated. Discussions about Stokes’s white-ball future are ongoing.

In a nod to the future, Harry Brook has been named Buttler’s deputy in white-ball cricket. The 25-year-old impressed last summer, leading England during an ODI series against Australia and averaging 78 with the bat.

With McCullum at the helm and Buttler determined to rediscover his spark, England’s white-ball era is set for a fresh start. The journey begins this Wednesday at Eden Gardens, where England will face India in the first T20 match of the series.