IPL 2025: Jos Buttler Admits It Felt “Strange” Playing Against Rajasthan Royals But Was “Desperate” For Gujarat Titans’ Win

April 10, 2025: In a gripping encounter in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, Gujarat Titans’ top-order star Jos Buttler faced off against his former side, Rajasthan Royals, in what turned out to be a memorable clash. Buttler, who was left out of Rajasthan’s retention list prior to the season, admitted that it felt “strange” to play against the franchise where he had spent seven seasons, but his desire to win for his new team, Gujarat Titans, made him “desperate” for victory.

Buttler had been a crucial part of Rajasthan Royals in the past, contributing significantly to their batting line-up. However, after being bought by Gujarat Titans for Rs 15.75 crore at the IPL 2025 mega auction, Buttler found himself facing the Royals on the other side. Despite the emotional connection to his old team, Buttler was fully focused on delivering for Gujarat.

The match itself was a rollercoaster. Batting first after Rajasthan opted to bowl, Gujarat Titans had a shaky start when captain Shubman Gill was dismissed early. Buttler stepped in to stabilize the innings, forming an important 80-run partnership that helped Gujarat post a challenging total of 217/6. Buttler’s cameo of 36 runs off 25 balls was vital in setting a strong platform for his side, even though his innings was cut short by Maheesh Theekshana, who bowled him out LBW.

Reflecting on the game, Buttler spoke about his mixed emotions, saying, “It did feel a bit strange being on the other side against Rajasthan Royals. But to be honest, I was even more desperate for the win today. I think it was an excellent team performance. I’m really enjoying the new challenge.”

Buttler also touched on his new role in the Gujarat Titans’ middle-order. Having been a top-order batsman for much of his career, Buttler has embraced the number three position in Gujarat’s line-up, a role he’s become accustomed to after batting there for England recently. He added, “I’ve been batting at No. 3 for England recently, so it’s not unfamiliar. It helps that I’m coming in behind two fantastic openers who usually lay a strong platform. If there’s any swing, they deal with it, and I get to walk in once the ball stops moving, which is quite nice.”

Buttler’s maturity in adapting to different roles has allowed Gujarat Titans to build a solid batting order, with openers Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan forming a reliable partnership at the start. Buttler’s arrival at No. 3 allows him to capitalize on the settled conditions and play his aggressive game without the early pressure of swing or seam movement.

Gujarat Titans eventually clinched a dominant 58-run win, with Rajasthan Royals struggling to chase down the massive total. Despite Rajasthan winning the toss and opting to bowl, the decision backfired as Gujarat’s batting line-up, led by key contributions from Buttler and others, proved too strong. Rajasthan’s batting, on the other hand, crumbled under pressure, leading to their comprehensive defeat.

Buttler’s performance was a key highlight of Gujarat’s dominant victory, which further solidified their position in the IPL 2025. As for Rajasthan Royals, they will need to regroup after their third consecutive defeat in the ongoing season, while Gujarat Titans continue to rise as a team to watch in this year’s tournament.