IPL 2025: Sanju Samson Reflects On Rajasthan Royals’ Tough Decision To Release Jos Buttler

In a move that sent shockwaves through the Indian Premier League (IPL) community, Rajasthan Royals (RR) made the difficult decision to release Jos Buttler ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction. The English wicketkeeper-batter, who had been an integral part of the franchise since 2018, found a new home with Gujarat Titans (GT), who secured him for INR 9 crore.

The decision to part ways with Buttler was met with mixed reactions from fans and experts, considering his stellar performances for RR over the years. Sanju Samson, Rajasthan Royals’ captain, has now opened up about the emotional and strategic aspects of this move, calling it one of the hardest calls of his career.

Jos Buttler’s Legacy at Rajasthan Royals: A Pillar of Strength

When Jos Buttler joined Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2018, he brought not just his batting brilliance but also a sense of stability to the team’s top order. Over the course of seven seasons, he cemented his place as one of RR’s greatest players, delivering match-winning performances and guiding the franchise through highs and lows.

His numbers speak volumes about his impact:

🏏 83 Matches
🏏 3055 Runs
🏏 Average: 41.84
🏏 Strike Rate: 147.79
🏏 Centuries: 5

Buttler’s most iconic season came in IPL 2022, where he amassed a staggering 863 runs in 17 matches, smashing four centuries and batting at a strike rate of 149.05. He was the driving force behind RR’s journey to the final, and his performances established him as one of the best T20 batters in the world.

Beyond the numbers, Buttler was a leader in the dressing room, serving as vice-captain and mentoring younger players, including Sanju Samson himself. His departure, therefore, wasn’t just a professional setback for RR but also a deeply emotional one for the squad.

Why Did RR Release Jos Buttler? Sanju Samson Reveals the Reason

While Buttler’s release took fans by surprise, the decision wasn’t made lightly. Sanju Samson, in an emotional interview with JioHotstar, revealed that letting go of his long-time teammate and close friend was one of the toughest moments of his captaincy.

“The IPL Breaks Bonds Every Three Years”

Speaking about his bond with Buttler, Samson said:

“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 also revealed how difficult it was for him to move on after Buttler’s departure. Even while playing for India against England, he found himself struggling with the emotions of losing Buttler from the RR squad.

“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?”

These words highlight the human side of cricket, where decisions aren’t just about strategy and performance but also about relationships and camaraderie built over years.

The Strategic Perspective: Why RR Had to Move On

While emotions played a big role in this decision, the Rajasthan Royals management had to make a strategic choice keeping in mind squad dynamics, financial constraints, and future planning.

1. Focus on a Younger Core

Rajasthan Royals opted to retain six players, including:

🔹 Sanju Samson
🔹 Yashasvi Jaiswal
🔹 Riyan Parag

By investing in young, emerging talent, RR aims to build a long-term squad that can stay competitive for multiple seasons.

2. Salary Cap and Budget Considerations

Buttler was one of RR’s highest-paid players, and his retention would have limited their flexibility in the auction. By releasing him, RR freed up funds to invest in fresh talent and strengthen other areas of their squad.

3. Jos Buttler’s IPL 2024 Form

While Buttler has been one of IPL’s most consistent batters, his form in IPL 2024 was below his usual standards. He scored 398 runs in 13 matches at a strike rate of 140.56, which, while impressive, was a dip compared to his record-breaking 2022 season.

Given the high expectations from him, RR had to make a tough call on whether to retain an aging player or invest in younger, rising talents.

A New Chapter for Buttler: Joining Gujarat Titans in IPL 2025

While Rajasthan Royals had to part ways with Buttler, his IPL journey continues with Gujarat Titans. The 2022 IPL champions secured him for INR 9 crore, and he is set to play a crucial role in their top order alongside Shubman Gill.

For Buttler, this new challenge brings fresh opportunities:

🔹 A chance to play under a new leadership
🔹 A different team environment to adapt to
🔹 An opportunity to prove RR wrong by delivering match-winning performances

Fans are eagerly awaiting his first match against Rajasthan Royals, as it promises to be one of the most anticipated clashes of IPL 2025.

What’s Next for Rajasthan Royals?

RR’s post-Buttler era will revolve around:

🔹 Yashasvi Jaiswal stepping up as the primary opener
🔹 Sanju Samson taking more responsibility as captain
🔹 New overseas signings filling the void left by Buttler

With a blend of young and experienced players, Rajasthan Royals remain a strong contender for the IPL 2025 season, but only time will tell if they made the right call by releasing their talismanic opener.

Final Thoughts: An Inevitable Yet Painful Decision

While IPL franchises have to make ruthless decisions, some departures leave a deeper impact than others. Jos Buttler’s exit from Rajasthan Royals is one such case. His legacy at RR is undeniable, and Sanju Samson’s emotional words reflect the bond they shared over the years.

For Rajasthan Royals, the focus now shifts to the future, while for Jos Buttler and Gujarat Titans, a new chapter begins. As IPL 2025 approaches, all eyes will be on Buttler—will he haunt his former team, or will RR prove they were right to move on?

One thing is certain—IPL never fails to deliver drama, both on and off the field.

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