England’s national cricket team white-ball captain Jos Buttler is contemplating a significant change in his role as he eyes success in the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Buttler, who recently handed over the wicketkeeping duties to his Lancashire teammate Phil Salt during England’s 3-1 T20I series win over the West Indies, is considering relinquishing the gloves to focus solely on his batting and captaincy.

The 34-year-old wicketkeeper-batter made his return to international cricket during the series after a four-month injury layoff and decided to lead his team from the field rather than behind the stumps. This decision allowed him to have more energy and focus on his captaincy, which seemed to work well for the team.

"It's something we tried in the Caribbean, not keeping wicket and as captain being closer to the bowler, which I enjoyed," Buttler said in an interview with Reuters. "I had more time and energy not being a wicketkeeper and around training as well. That's something I found interesting."

With Phil Salt stepping in to take on the wicketkeeping responsibilities during the West Indies series, the prospect of Buttler continuing as a non-keeper captain seems more plausible. Salt’s performances with the gloves impressed the team management, and this shift allowed Buttler to focus on his batting and leadership.

With Brendon McCullum set to take charge as England’s white-ball coach in January 2025, Buttler is keen to explore this new approach under McCullum’s guidance. McCullum, a former wicketkeeper who successfully transitioned to a fielder during his playing days, could provide valuable insights to Buttler.

"I know McCullum is coming in as the coach (who) in his career moved from wicketkeeper to a fielder, so that's something I can discuss with him," Buttler added. "We play against India in the new year before that tournament, which will obviously be a huge challenge and good preparation."