'Can't Get Away With Just Being a Skillful Player': Tom Moody Praises 'Elite Athlete' Jos Buttler's Fitness After Heroic Knock vs KKR

It was one of the knocks by a batter in the Indian Premier League as Jos Buttler showcased his class as he led the charge for the Rajasthan Royals to clinch an epic victory over the Kolkata Knight Riders at Eden Gardens to maintain their spot at the top of the table.

However, Buttler was not able to hit the ground running as he struggled to pick up the pace through the start of his innings. But he showcased his determination to help pull through for his side and take home the win.

Speaking to Star Sports, the former Australian international, Tom Moody credited Buttler’s fitness which aided him through the latter stages of the innings. The opening batter had missed out the previous game against Punjab Kings and had his right knee strapped up while practising ahead of yesterday’s game.

Stay updated with the latest from IPL 2024, including top contenders for the IPL 2024 Orange Cap and IPL 2024 Purple Cap. Explore the complete IPL 2024 Schedule, IPL 2024 Points Table and players with the Most Sixes, Most Fours and Most Fifties in IPL 2024

“Well, he kept going because he’s an elite athlete and it just shows, in today’s world of T20 cricket or any form of cricket, you need to be an elite athlete. You can’t just get away with just being a skilful player and that time has well and truly passed,” said Moody.

The former SRH coach praised Buttler’s ability to recover from an illness along with his injury which in turn helped the Royals snatch the win.

READ MORE: Rahul Tewatia vs Ponting Jr: The Cutest Face-off at Narendra Modi Stadium – WATCH

“He’s an elite athlete, that’s why he’s still standing for that very last ball to hit the winning runs. (It is as) simple as that, he’s coming back from an illness, he’s managed to bounce back pretty quickly because he is strong and physically strong,” Moody said.

Moody concluded by crediting the fact that Buttler has put in the hard work behind the scenes which has now made him a strong athlete and a dominant force in the IPL and T20I cricket as well.

READ MORE: ‘Shah Rukh Sir Se Milao Yar’: ‘King of Bollywood’ Fulfil Fan Boy Yashasvi Jaiswal’s Wish – WATCH

“But he’s also feeling mentally strong as well, given his history in the game but there’s no hiding, in those conditions, it’s extremely tough and if you don’t have the hard yards as an athlete and done the hard work — you can’t put in performances like that,” Moody concluded.