A candid conversation between Virat Kohli and Jos Buttler during the 2023 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) has offered a fresh perspective on the pressures faced by elite cricketers. Buttler, speaking on the "For the Love of Cricket" podcast with Stuart Broad, revealed how Kohli's honest admission about his insecurities helped him cope with the burden of expectations.
Buttler, who had a phenomenal IPL season in 2022, scoring 863 runs, found himself struggling to replicate that form the following year. He explained that he approached Kohli, who holds the record for the most runs in an IPL season (973 in 2016), seeking advice on how to manage the immense pressure. "I actually found the next season quite difficult — like, how do I live up to that? And we were training at the same time as RCB," Buttler said. "I thought I'd just ask him a couple of questions... The question was on how he manages expectations. There is more expectation on him than anyone in the world in cricket."
Kohli, in a display of remarkable candor, shared his own experiences with self-doubt. He advised Buttler to accept that replicating a record-breaking season might not be possible and to avoid putting unnecessary pressure on himself. "He was so generous with his time. He said maybe that one season was the best I will ever have. I need to accept that and not try to replicate it. I'm putting unnecessary pressure on myself. It's okay. Life is going to be fine. It's going to work out," Buttler recounted.
What truly stunned Buttler was Kohli's subsequent revelation about his own insecurities. Kohli admitted, "Sometimes I pick up my bat and I feel like I don't know how to play." This confession, coming from one of the greatest batsmen of the modern era, left Buttler in awe. "I was like — this guy is arguably the best player of our generation, especially in the white-ball format," Buttler said. "I was so thankful for his time and grateful for his insights."
The interaction highlighted the mental challenges that even the most accomplished athletes face. Kohli, who has consistently performed at the highest level and led India with distinction, revealed a vulnerability that resonated deeply with Buttler. It served as a reminder that beneath the surface of success and fame, there exists a human element of self-doubt and the need for reassurance.
Buttler emphasized the significance of the IPL as a platform for learning and growth, stating, "That's why I always say IPL is the best cricket academy in the world. You pick the brains of the legends. It helps you for the next six to twelve months." He acknowledged the value of such interactions in improving both the game and the mental fortitude of players.
Kohli's willingness to share his insecurities not only helped Buttler navigate his own challenges but also provided a valuable lesson for cricket fans worldwide. It demonstrated that even the most celebrated athletes experience moments of doubt and that acknowledging these feelings is a sign of strength, not weakness. It humanizes these figures, reminding us that they are not immune to the pressures and anxieties that affect everyone.
