Rajasthan Royals captain Sanju Samson has opened up about the franchise’s difficult call to release Jos Buttler ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 mega auction, describing it as one of the toughest decisions of his career.
A new chapter for Jos Buttler with Gujarat Titans in IPL 2025
Buttler, who had been an integral part of RR since 2018, was not among the six retained players as the team restructured its squad. He was later snapped up by Gujarat Titans (GT) at the mega auction. During his seven-year stint with RR, Buttler established himself as one of the franchise’s greatest players, amassing 3055 runs in 83 matches at an average of 41.84 and a blistering strike rate of 147.79. His contributions included a record-breaking 863-run season in IPL 2022, where he single-handedly propelled RR to the final. Beyond his on-field heroics, Buttler played a leadership role, serving as vice-captain and guiding younger players, including Samson himself. Following his release, Buttler was picked up by Gujarat for INR 9 crore.
The reason behind RR’s decision: Sanju Samson reveals
Samson, who has shared countless memorable partnerships with Buttler, admitted that parting ways with the England batter was far from easy. Speaking to JioHotstar, he reflected on their close bond and the impact Buttler had on his journey
“The IPL is not just about playing at the highest level or leading a team—it also helps you forge deep friendships. Jos Buttler is one of my closest friends. We played together for seven years, and our batting partnership was so long that we developed an incredible understanding. He was like an elder brother to me. Whenever I had a doubt, I would turn to him. When I became captain in 2021, he was my vice-captain and played a crucial role in shaping my leadership,” Samson said.
Also READ: Shane Bond warns Jasprit Bumrah of potential career-ending injury ahead of IPL 2025
Even after Buttler’s departure, Samson found it difficult to move on. He revealed that during India’s series against England, the emotions of losing Buttler from the Rajasthan squad still lingered.
“During the England series, I told him over dinner that I was still struggling to come to terms with it. If I could change one thing about the IPL, it would be the rule that forces teams to release players every three years. While it has its benefits, on a personal level, it breaks the connections and bonds built over the years. He wasn’t just a teammate – he was family. What more can I say?,” Samson concluded.
Samson’s heartfelt words reflect not just the professional loss of a key player but also the deep personal bond he shared with Buttler, making the decision even harder to accept.
While the release of Buttler surprised many, RR management had to make a strategic choice given the squad dynamics and financial constraints. By opting to retain Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sanju Samson, Riyan Parag the franchise focused on a younger core with a blend of experience. Additionally, Buttler’s IPL 2024 form raised concerns. He had an inconsistent campaign, scoring 398 runs in 13 matches at a strike rate of 140.56, far from his dominant best. RR’s decision to let him go was likely influenced by salary cap flexibility, allowing them to target fresh talent in the auction.
Also WATCH: MS Dhoni, Sanju Samson live in Guwahati! Here’s how to secure tickets for RR vs CSK in IPL 2025 with pre-registration
Source link
