England confident despite Pune defeat, says Buttler

England vice-captain Jos Buttler analysed India's strengths, and spoke on the challenges of playing in India and the charm of playing in the Indian Premier League, ahead of the second One-Day International in Cuttack.

Eoin Morgan (left) and Jos Buttler at a training session in Cuttack on Wednesday.

Ahead of the second One-Day International (ODI) against India at the Barabati Stadium here on Thursday, England vice-captain Jos Buttler analysed the host's strengths, and spoke on the challenges of playing in India and the charm of playing in the Indian Premier League (IPL).

Excerpts:

Expecting another high scoring match

It looks a very good batting wicket. The ground looks a bit bigger than Pune. There might be a bit of dew as well. I think maybe a high scoring game. It’s great to be here. It’s not often you train in front of a crowd - that's exciting.

Mentally difficult (not being able to defend 350 in Pune)?

Not too difficult. There are a lot of positives for us to take from the other game. We reached 350 without anyone going on getting a 100. That’s the difference between the two sides, two guys standing up for the Indian team and going past the three figures. Getting to 350 should give us confidence.

Virat Kohli, a talking point

He occupies as much space as anyone else. He’s been in fantastic form for a long period of time. His record is very good. Guys constantly have been coming up with plans for him. India have some other fantastic players in their side as well. We can’t focus on just one player and forget about others.

On chasing a target

Sometimes it is good to know exactly what you are chasing. Sometimes the challenge on very good wickets [is] trying to pace the innings when you're not chasing a score. Whether you bat or bowl first, you have to do it very well. We had India at 60 for 4 and 350 seemed a long way away. I think both have advantages.

The IPL experience and challenge of playing in India

There is no place like India to come and play cricket. It’s a fantastic experience for someone to cherish and really embrace. The atmosphere the other day in Pune was fantastic. The quieter it is, it’s better for us. It’s a fantastic challenge for us and a really enjoyable one. We’ve lost the first match, so straight away it’s a knock-out game for us.

England players wanting to play in IPL

I think the IPL is probably the best cricket experience I've ever had. I've learnt as much, not just about T20 but about myself, about all forms of cricket, about what it takes to become a top cricketer. Hopefully, from my point of view, there are more English guys involved in experiencing playing in these conditions, in front of these crowds, under the pressure of being overseas players. It can only stand you in good stead.