Salman Butt

Calcutta: Salman Butt is in the Kolkata Knight Riders’ XIV for Thursday’s face-off against the Bangalore Royal Challengers, but it’s to the XI that he’s itching to return.

“I guess the Indian Premier League (IPL) rule about fielding only four overseas players is working to my disadvantage… It will be great to again play at the Eden, though,” Butt told The Telegraph.

Speaking on Wednesday afternoon, the former Pakistan vice-captain added: “There are compulsions for the team management, but I’d been looking forward to continuing from where I’d left off in the just-ended home (ODI) series against Bangladesh… I’d much rather be playing than waiting to get a look-in again…”

The five-match affair saw Butt, the MoS, total 451 to average 90-plus. Scoring against Bangladesh doesn’t quite enhance one’s CV, but being in form does count for much.

Those who’re struggling in the IPL — and the list includes some really big names — probably know that better than most.

Butt, who joined the squad late (because of his Pakistan commitments), has only made one IPL appearance — in Jaipur, against the Rajasthan Royals, where he managed just 7.

While Butt’s last appearance at the Eden was during the second Test, last November-December, his first had been in November 2004 during the one-off Platinum Jubilee ODI.

Then barely out of his teens, Butt remained not out on 108 and guided Pakistan to a six-wicket win.

However, that’s long gone by. Today, making the XI is Butt’s priority.

“I need to be batting well as days after the IPL is the short tri-series in Bangladesh,” Butt pointed out.

The other day, Knight Riders’ coach John Buchanan picked Butt as one of the players who could stand up and “have a presence.”

It’s to be seen whether Buchanan will give Butt the chance to make his presence felt.