![Jos Buttler [Source: AP]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1793193222874_Jos_Buttler.jpg?type=hq)
Jos Buttler [Source: AP]
Jos Buttler is insisting that he will not rush his return to the England side after having undergone a surgery for his hamstring injury this month. The legendary England wicketkeeper-batter is also of the opinion that he may not play any form of international cricket up until September 2027 next year.
In such a case, Buttler will only have one month to fully re-acclimatize himself in the England national squad before the 2027 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup, set to be played between October 2 and November 21 in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.
Jos Buttler predicts one-year hiatus from England cricket
Former captain Jos Buttler recently tore his left hamstring while completing a run against Sri Lanka during England’s home white-ball series last month. The injury is believed to be at least a grade-three tear, forcing him to undergo a surgery just a few weeks ago.
The surgery has since ruled him out of England’s ongoing ODI tri-series in Pakistan, as well as from England’s upcoming white-ball tour of Australia next month.
The 36-year-old has also explained that he requires a minimum 12-week rehabilitation period, and believes England’s three ODI matches against South Africa in January 2027 will “come a bit too soon”.
With Buttler likely to miss England’s fixtures in South Africa, there is a strong possibility that the legendary wicketkeeper-batter might not play international cricket for his team up until September 2027 when they face New Zealand in eight white-ball games, considering even the IPL 2027 season in India is certain to keep him from participating in England’s five-match ODI series against Pakistan in May next year.
While speaking on the For the Love of Cricket podcast, Jos Buttler said “I definitely don't want to rush it (return). There's so much cricket ahead next year, and obviously a few more years - hopefully - left of my career. If it takes me a week or two longer to get it right, I'm going to take that time.”
He added, “January time, there's some England games in South Africa; they might come a bit too soon, but SA20 is probably a goal that is in the back of my mind.”
Buttler targets SA20 2027 for return, to play IPL 2027
While the rehabilitation period is certain to keep Jos Buttler from playing England’s January 2027 ODIs against South Africa, the seasoned pro is targeting the SA20 2027 season in South Africa for his return to competitive cricket.
He is also on track to get retained by the Gujarat Titans franchise for the IPL 2027 season next year. Set to play his 12th consecutive IPL season, Buttler will also have to miss England’s five-match ODI series against Pakistan at home in May, considering it will coincide with the business end of the Indian T20 carnival in India.
There is also a strong possibility that Jos Buttler will play The Hundred 2027 season in England, and England’s home T20I and ODI series against New Zealand in September will serve as his final crack at international cricket before the 2027 ICC Cricket World Cup in Africa.
