April 28, 2025: Jos Buttler, the seasoned wicketkeeper-batter for Gujarat Titans, has opened up about his relationship with Rajasthan Royals captain Sanju Samson and his transition to the Ahmedabad-based franchise after a seven-season stint with the Royals.
Buttler, who played for Rajasthan Royals from 2018 to 2024, was not retained by the franchise for the ongoing 18th edition of the IPL. His departure from the Royals was a significant moment, but Gujarat Titans swiftly snapped up the English star for a hefty sum of Rs 15.75 crore during the mega auction last year. Since joining the Titans, Buttler has embraced the change, taking on a fresh challenge while continuing to perform at a high level.
In a recent interview on JioHotstar’s special series, Buttler spoke about his bond with Sanju Samson, saying, “I’ve had a great relationship with Sanju over the years, learning a lot from him and watching how he goes about things. While time moves on and I’m now with a new franchise, I’ll always look back fondly at the friendships and memories we built — they’ll stand the test of time.”
Reflecting on his transition from Rajasthan Royals to Gujarat Titans, the 34-year-old English cricketer acknowledged that the change in environment felt different but exciting. “Playing for Gujarat Titans feels different after spending so many seasons with Rajasthan Royals and creating great memories. But I’m excited for something new—it keeps things fresh and interesting,” Buttler said. He also shared how the relaxed and positive setup at Gujarat Titans, led by head coach Ashish Nehra, had made the experience enjoyable. Buttler particularly noted the leadership qualities of Shubman Gill, calling the young captain “very impressive” and “calm.”
Buttler’s first encounter with his former side, Rajasthan Royals, after his move to Gujarat Titans was a memorable one. Gujarat Titans were put to bat, but they were rattled early with captain Shubman Gill’s wicket falling quickly. Buttler, however, took charge and built a crucial 80-run partnership to guide the team towards a formidable total of over 200 runs. His efforts were cut short when Maheesh Theekshana trapped him lbw for 36 off 25 balls, but his contribution was invaluable in setting up the Titans’ strong position.
So far, Buttler has made an impact with Gujarat Titans, amassing 356 runs in eight appearances at an impressive average of 71.20, including three half-centuries. As he prepares to face his former franchise once again, Buttler is eager to deliver another strong performance and continue his success story in the IPL.