Self Belief and skillset: Shami not losing sleep over Buttler's threat ahead of Qualifer 1

India and Gujarat Titans pacer Mohammed Shami isn't losing sleep at the prospect of coming up against Jos Buttler in the Qualifier 01 of the ongoing season.

Gujarat Titans will lock horns with the Rajasthan Royals in Qualifier 01 at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata on May 24. One of the key battles will be between Shami and Buttler.

Shami is the leading wicket-taker for his side in the tournament, and Buttler has scored the most runs this season.

While Shami has taken 18 wickets in 14 games at an average and economy rate of 22.89/7.77, Buttler has slaughtered bowlers to 629 runs in as many fixtures as an average of 48.38 and a strike rate of 146.96 with the help of three hundred and as many half-centuries.

But since scoring a blistering 65-ball 116 against the Delhi Capitals, Buttler has managed just 1 50+ score in his last seven innings, including four single-digit scores.

His last seven scores read: 2 (5), 2 (6), 7 (11), 30 (16), 22 (25), 67 (52), 8 (9).

With rain expected to make her presence felt in Kolkata, conditions are likely ideal for a bowler like Shami. While Buttler still poses a significant threat, the right-arm pacer has ample confidence in his skill set to do the job for his team.

"Good rest, good sleep. Doesn't matter. As a player, as a bowler, I don't think that you should think about who is the highest run-getter or the best batsman. You should simply play on your skills and have the belief. I always believe in myself, and I don't see the name at all. I believe in myself and my skills," Shami said during the press conference ahead of the all-important Qualifier 01 against the Royals.

The winner of Qualifier 01 will qualify for the final, while the loser will meet the winner of the Eliminator fixture between Lucknow and Bangalore in Ahmedabad on May 27.