Rajasthan Royals (RR) captain Sanju Samson has described releasing Jos Buttler ahead of the IPL 2025 auction as “one of the most challenging decisions” of his career. Buttler, who had been with RR since 2018, was their leading run-scorer with 3055 runs in 83 matches, boasting an impressive average of 41.84 and a strike rate of 147.79. However, RR chose to retain six players for the upcoming season, leaving Buttler out of their plans. Eventually, he was picked up by Gujarat Titans in the mega auction.
A Difficult Farewell to Jos Buttler
Samson, speaking to JioHotstar, reflected on his close bond with Buttler and how hard it was to part ways with him.
“The IPL gives you the opportunity to lead a team and play at the highest level, and it also allows you to build close friendships. Jos Buttler is one of my closest friends. We played together for seven years. Our batting partnership lasted so long that we got to know each other very well. He has been like an elder brother to me,” Samson said.
He recalled how Buttler was his go-to person for advice and support, especially when he took over as RR captain in 2021.
“Whenever I had a doubt, I would talk to him. When I became captain, he was my vice-captain and helped me become a good leader. Letting him go has been one of the most challenging decisions for me,” Samson admitted.
During a recent series against England, Samson even confided in Buttler over dinner that he was still struggling with the decision. He expressed his frustration with the IPL rule that forces teams to release players every three years.
“If I could change one thing in the IPL, I would change the rule of releasing players. While it has its positives, on a personal level, you lose that connection, that relationship you build over years. He was a part of the family—what more can I say?” Samson lamented.
Reunion with Rahul Dravid
While Buttler’s departure is a tough pill to swallow, Samson is excited about reuniting with Rahul Dravid, who returns to RR as head coach. Dravid played a crucial role in shaping Samson’s career, having been RR’s captain when the wicketkeeper-batter made his IPL debut in 2013. He then served as the team’s mentor for the next two seasons.
“Rahul sir was the one who spotted me at the trials,” Samson recalled. “He came up to me and said, ‘Can you play for my team?’ From there to now, with me being the captain and him coming back as coach, I feel very grateful. We all are.”
Having worked with Dravid both at RR and in the Indian team, Samson believes their captain-coach relationship will be special.
“He is a top-notch professional and ensures everything is done properly. Last month in Nagpur, at RR’s sports academy, I saw him standing in the heat from morning till evening, watching batsmen bat, bowlers bowl, interacting with them, and discussing strategies with the coaches. He is absolutely involved in every detail. His preparation is something I need to learn more about,” Samson added.
Meanwhile, RR fans will have to wait a little longer to see Dravid in action, as he is currently recovering from a foot injury sustained while playing cricket in Bengaluru. The franchise has confirmed that he is recovering well and is expected to join the team in Jaipur on Wednesday.
Looking Ahead to IPL 2025
With a new season on the horizon, RR will miss the presence of Buttler but will benefit from the experience and guidance of Dravid. Samson, as the leader, now faces the challenge of steering the team forward without one of its biggest stars. But if his words are anything to go by, RR remains a tightly knit unit, ready to fight for glory in IPL 2025.
