Surreal: Jos Buttler on 1st interaction with MS Dhoni
Cricket fans around the world have witnessed some incredible moments on the field, but sometimes it’s the off-field interactions that leave a lasting impression. For English wicketkeeper-batsman Jos Buttler, his first meeting with none other than the legendary MS Dhoni was a surreal experience that he still cherishes to this day.
During his appearance on the ‘For The Love Of Cricket’ podcast, Buttler shared his memorable encounter with Dhoni, which took place during an Indian Premier League (IPL) game. The English cricketer, who has played for Rajasthan Royals and Mumbai Indians in the IPL, revealed that he was still getting used to the Indian dressing room and its vibrant atmosphere when he first met Dhoni.
“It was quite surreal, to be honest,” Buttler recalled. “I was still finding my feet in the IPL, and to meet someone like MS Dhoni, who was already an icon in the Indian cricket team, it was a bit daunting. But he was very kind and welcoming, and we had a good chat.”
The interaction not only left Buttler in awe of Dhoni’s humility but also inspired him to work harder on his wicketkeeping skills. Buttler, who has been one of the most successful wicketkeepers in international cricket, credited Dhoni for some valuable advice he received during their conversation.
“I remember asking him about wicketkeeping, and he said, ‘Keeping should be fun.’ I was like, ‘That’s the best advice I’ve ever received!’ Because, sometimes, you get caught up in the pressure of performing, and it’s easy to forget that wicketkeeping is a skill that needs to be enjoyed,” Buttler said.
Buttler’s encounter with Dhoni not only gave him a new perspective on wicketkeeping but also instilled in him a sense of respect for the Indian legend’s work ethic and dedication to the game. The English cricketer has often spoken about the importance of learning from your opponents, and his interaction with Dhoni was a testament to that.
“When you’re playing against someone like MS Dhoni, you can’t help but admire his skill, his experience, and his ability to read the game. He’s someone who has always been a step ahead of the opposition, and that’s something that we English cricketers can learn from,” Buttler said.
As the ongoing India-England Test series gets underway, fans of the game are eagerly awaiting another thrilling contest between two of the world’s top teams. While Buttler and his English teammates will undoubtedly be focused on winning the series, they will also have Dhoni’s inspiring story in mind.
For Buttler, the experience of meeting Dhoni was not only a reminder of the importance of enjoying the game but also a testament to the impact that legends like Dhoni can have on the next generation of cricketers. As the English cricketer continues to make his mark on the international stage, he will undoubtedly carry Dhoni’s words of wisdom with him, both on and off the field.
