IPL 9: Ponting backs out-of-form keeper Buttler

Defending champions Mumbai Indians haven’t been able to announce themselves yet in the tournament, starting poorly and unable to get their combinations right.

They tried Rohit Sharma as opener but with Kieron Pollard struggling and Jos Butler inconsistent, he had to drop to no. 4 in the last game. Rohit and Buttler showed form against Kolkata Knight Riders but flopped in the other three games. Hardik Pandya was fielded at no. 3 but it didn’t work at all.

Ponting defended the decision to promote Hardik that backfired and also backed Buttler.

“Buttler played a match-winning innings in Kolkata. He was unlucky in the last two games with the way he got out. He is a great striker and has done well for England at no. 5. We will stick with him for a while,” he said.