Lahore, Feb 27: England captain Jos Buttler is grappling with his future as the team’s leader following a shocking eight-run defeat to Afghanistan, which led to their premature exit from the Champions Trophy. Buttler admitted he will spend the coming weeks evaluating whether he is "part of the problem or the solution" before making a decision on his captaincy.
England, chasing a target of 326, fell short despite a valiant 120 off 111 balls from Joe Root. Afghanistan’s stunning performance was anchored by Ibrahim Zadran’s magnificent 177 and Azamatullah Omarzai’s all-round brilliance, which included a crucial 41-run cameo and a five-wicket haul (5/58).
Reflecting on England’s struggles in recent ICC tournaments—following disappointments in the 2023 World Cup and the 2024 T20 World Cup—Buttler acknowledged the need for introspection.
"I think I've got to work out personally, am I part of the problem or am I part of the solution?" said a visibly dejected Buttler in the post-match press conference.
While England has another game left against South Africa on Saturday, Buttler ruled out making any hasty decisions. "I'm not going to make any emotional decisions right here, right now. I need some time to work out what I think is right," he stated.
The captain conceded that England had their chances but failed to capitalize, citing their lack of confidence as a major factor. He praised Afghanistan for their resilience and lauded Root’s brilliant innings, lamenting that none of the other top-order batters managed to support him long enough.
England’s struggles extend beyond this tournament, having suffered a heavy defeat against India in a recent limited-overs series. The team’s white-ball performance, once a benchmark in world cricket, has been on a steady decline.
"Results are tough, and they weigh heavy at times. Of course, you want to be leading a winning team, and we haven't been that for a while," Buttler admitted.
As the pressure mounts on England’s leadership and squad, Buttler’s future as captain remains uncertain. With the team at a crossroads, his decision in the coming weeks could shape the direction of England’s white-ball cricket.
