Just when it looked like Gujarat Titans were storming toward another shot at IPL glory, here comes a stunner—Jos Buttler not playing IPL 2025 playoffs is all but confirmed. England’s ODI series against West Indies kicks off May 29, the exact date IPL’s knockout stage begins. So, while GT might qualify with ease, they’ll likely have to do it without their most reliable batter.

GT vs England：The Schedule Clash We All Saw Coming

After a week-long suspension of IPL 2025 due to cross-border tensions, the league resumes on May 17. And while Buttler is rejoining the GT camp, his stay is short-lived. England has named him in the ODI squad for a crucial home series. The dates clash directly with the IPL playoffs, and unlike T20s, these ODIs carry World Cup qualification weight. So unless something unexpected happens, Jos Buttler not playing IPL 2025 playoffs is the reality GT will have to live with.

Jos showed why he’s the BOSS! 🫡

A cool-headed 97* (54) from Jos Buttler wins him the Player of the Match as he guided #GT to the No.1 spot 💪

Scorecard ▶️ https://t.co/skzhhRWvEt#TATAIPL | #GTvDC | @gujarat_titans | @josbuttler pic.twitter.com/A8yJKA4W7L

— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) April 19, 2025

Jos Buttler in GT Performance 2025

Let’s get into the numbers. In 11 games for GT this season, Jos Buttler in GT has been a model of calm destruction. He’s scored 500 runs at an average of 71.43, and a very healthy strike rate of 163.93. He notched 30+ scores in 9 of those 11 innings, and contributed over 24% of GT’s total runs. That’s not a luxury; that’s a foundation.

Stationed at the No. 3 spot (a somewhat unorthodox role for Buttler), he served as the glue between the openers and the finishers. It’s no stretch to say that much of GT batters in 2025’s rhythm has revolved around Buttler’s presence and timing.

The Buttler-Sized Hole:：What Now for GT？

With Buttler set to leave before the playoffs, GT needs to improvise fast. Among the GT batters in 2025, Shubman Gill will clearly have to take on more responsibility, not just as captain, but as lead run-getter. The team might look at promoting Sai Sudharsan to No. 3, who’s shown flashes of composure in pressure situations.

Jos Bhai with his trademark shot: “𝘗𝘦𝘳𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘩𝘰𝘰𝘯 𝘚𝘪𝘳” 😎 pic.twitter.com/4Qz9ZKmRGA

— Gujarat Titans (@gujarat_titans) May 6, 2025

GT’s overseas combination could be adjusted as well—Karim Janat may get more game time, or they might bring in an extra bowler and rely on domestic batters to fill the gap. Either way, without Jos Buttler in GT, their middle-order looks a lot less predictable.

Can GT Still Go All the Way？

Sure, GT is still in a great position. They need just one win from their last three matches (vs DC, LSG, CSK) to lock in a playoff spot. And yes, they’ll still have Buttler for those games. But come May 29, it’s a different story. GT batters in 2025 must now prepare for life without the guy who’s been shielding them from high-pressure collapses all season.

Shubman Gill will likely push for a more top-heavy approach, and GT’s bowling unit—led by Rashid Khan and Coetzee—might have to win them a few lower-scoring thrillers. This isn’t panic mode yet, but it’s certainly Plan B time.

Buttler Leaves, But the Pressure Stays

So let’s call it like it is: Jos Buttler in GT gave the Titans the edge in 2025. His technique, experience, and consistency at No. 3 aren’t easily replicated. And while Jos Buttler not playing IPL 2025 playoffs isn’t ideal, this is the kind of adversity that separates contenders from champions.

🚨 Milestone alert

The consistent Jos Buttler glides past 4️⃣0️⃣0️⃣0️⃣ runs in #TATAIPL 👏

Updates ▶ https://t.co/u5fH4jQrSI#TATAIPL | #GTvSRH | @josbuttler pic.twitter.com/xX5en5cvAp

— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) May 2, 2025

If GT finds a way to adapt, it’ll speak volumes about their depth. If not, fans may remember May 29 not as the start of the playoffs—but as the day their campaign lost its backbone.