Lahore, 27 February (HS): The leadership role of England's limited overs team captain Jos Buttler is in crisis. After the defeat against Afghanistan in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, which knocked England out of the tournament, serious questions are being raised on his captaincy.

England had opportunities in the do-or-die match against Afghanistan, but they failed to take advantage of them. Earlier, despite scoring 351 runs against Australia in the group stage, their inability to chase the record target also weakened their position.

In the post-match press conference, Buttler admitted that he needs to rethink about his captaincy and future. He said, Obviously the results have not been in our favor. I have to consider whether I am part of the problem or the solution. England's struggles and questions over Buttler's form

After winning the 2019 ODI and 2022 T20 World Cups, England's performance is on the decline. The team finished seventh in the 2023 ODI World Cup, while they lost to India in the semi-finals of the 2024 T20 World Cup. Recently, England lost the T20I (4-1) and ODI (3-0) series against India, raising concerns about the team's form.

Buttler's personal form is also in question. Since the 2023 World Cup, he has scored just 214 runs in eight ODI innings at an average of 30.57, with his highest score being an unbeaten 58. His performance in T20s has also been mediocre.

I am not able to convert my innings into big scores, which is disappointing, Buttler said about his batting against Afghanistan.

Buttler said he would not make any hasty decisions and would take time to consider it. I don't want to make any emotional decisions right now. We need to get the team back where it should be - in the race to win the tournament.

Now the England Cricket Board (ECB) will have to decide on Butler's captaincy. Will England look for a new captain in T20 and ODI, or will Butler get a chance ahead? This question will remain a topic of discussion in English cricket for the next few weeks.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar