Jos Buttler’s remarkable century against Kolkata Knight Riders has reignited the debate on the importance of athleticism in modern cricket. Former Australian all-rounder Tom Moody believes that elite athletes are essential in today’s demanding T20 format.
Buttler’s unbeaten 107 off 60 balls propelled Rajasthan Royals to a thrilling victory, overshadowing Sunil Narine’s earlier century. Moody praised Buttler’s resilience and physical prowess, highlighting the need for cricketers to be both skilled and physically fit.
“In today’s world of T20 cricket, you need to be an elite athlete,” Moody said. “You can’t just get away with just being a skilful player.”
Buttler’s performance was particularly impressive considering he had missed Rajasthan’s previous game due to injury. Despite losing partners regularly, he remained steadfast, showcasing his mental and physical strength.
“He’s an elite athlete, that’s why he’s still standing for that very last ball to hit the winning runs,” Moody said. “He’s coming back from an illness, he’s managed to bounce back pretty quickly because he is strong and physically strong.”
Moody emphasized that athleticism is crucial for cricketers to perform consistently in challenging conditions. “If you don’t have the hard yards as an athlete and done the hard work, you can’t put in performances like that,” he said.
Buttler’s century serves as a reminder that modern cricket demands a combination of skill, athleticism, and mental fortitude. As the game continues to evolve, the importance of elite athletes will only increase.
