England wicket-keeper batsman Jos Buttler will miss the opening game of Rajasthan Royals in the 13th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). The Rajasthan-based franchise is scheduled to play their first match against Chennai Super Kings on September 22 (Tuesday) at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah.
Jos Buttler is currently staying in Dubai with his family. He is serving the mandatory six-day isolation period, instructed by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
According to reports, the BCCI earlier allowed England and Australia players to undergo a 36-hour quarantine instead of six days. The Board stated that the players are travelling from one bio-bubbe in the UK to another in the UAE. Although, Buttler decided against it and hence, he will join the RR camp from their second encounter.
“I’m unfortunately going to miss the first match for Rajasthan because I’m going to be doing my quarantine period because I’m here with my family – which is great that the Royals have allowed me to have my family out here,” said the Royals opener in an Instagram live from the official handle of the franchise.
“It’s a huge help having my family here with me in lockdown,” he added.
Buttler met his family during Australia T20Is
The Englishman also decided to miss the final Twenty20 International against Australia to spend time with his family members. As a result, Buttler came to the Emirates separately and will undergo a mandatory isolation period.
Coming to Buttler’s performance with the Royals, the wicketkeeper-batsman did exceptionally well last season. He scored 311 runs in eight matches while opening the RR innings. The 30-year old smashed runs at a strike-rate of 151.70 with three half-centuries to his name.