Jos Buttler unsure about captaincy after Champions Trophy exit

England's white-ball captain Jos Buttler has hinted that he may step down from his role after the team's early exit from the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025.  

England was knocked out of the tournament after losing two back-to-back group-stage matches against Australia and Afghanistan. They are the first team from Group B to be eliminated from the eight-team event, which continues until March 9.  

Buttler, who led England to victory in the 2022 T20 World Cup, has now faced disappointment in three major tournaments as captain. Speaking after the match, he did not give a clear answer about his future but suggested that changes might be needed. 

“I don't want to say any emotional statements right now. But I think for myself and the other guys at the top, we should consider all possibilities,” Buttler said.  

The England captain was also disappointed with the loss but praised Afghanistan’s Ibrahim Zadran for his game-changing performance in the last 10 overs of the first innings.  

"It's really disappointing. I thought we had our chances in the game. Another fantastic game of cricket, but disappointing to come out on the wrong side,” he said.  

"They got away from us there in the last 10 overs. Credit to Ibrahim, he played a fantastic innings. If we look back and reflect, 113 off the last 10 pushed them up to a score that was a very good score on that pitch," he added.  

Despite the defeat, Buttler appreciated Joe Root’s brilliant century but regretted that no other top-six batter could stay with him to take the game deeper.  

“He played an unbelievable innings tonight. The way to handle pressure in a run-chase. He needed one of the other top six batters to stay in with him and take the game deeper," Buttler said.  

With this loss, England’s Champions Trophy journey has come to an end, and questions remain about the future of Buttler as captain.