March 12, 2025: Rajasthan Royals (RR) captain Sanju Samson has opened up about the emotional challenge of bidding farewell to explosive English opener Jos Buttler ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season. Buttler, who joined the Royals in 2018, was one of the key players for the franchise over the years, but in 2024, Rajasthan decided not to retain him before the IPL mega-auction.
The decision to part ways with Buttler, who had scored 3098 runs in 83 matches for RR at an impressive average of 41.84, was a difficult one for the franchise and particularly for Samson. Despite his remarkable contributions, Buttler was acquired by the Gujarat Titans for a hefty Rs 15.75 crore during the auction, marking the end of an era at Rajasthan Royals.
Samson, who has been close friends with Buttler for several years, shared his thoughts on the decision. “IPL gives you the opportunity to lead a team and play at the highest level, but it also allows you to build close friendships. Jos Buttler is one of my closest friends. We played together for seven years, forming a long batting partnership,” Samson said during an interview with JioHotstar.
Buttler’s departure has left a void in the RR dressing room, and Samson admitted that letting go of the English cricketer has been one of the toughest parts of his IPL journey. “We knew each other so well and always kept in touch. He was like an elder brother to me. When I became captain, he was my vice-captain and played a huge role in helping me lead the team. Letting him go has been one of the most challenging things for me,” Samson said.
Samson went on to recall a personal conversation he had with Buttler during England’s white-ball tour of India. “I told him over dinner that I was still not over it,” said Samson, who deeply values their bond and their years of playing together.
Reflecting on the emotional toll of the franchise’s decision to release players, Samson mentioned, “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 connections and relationships built over years. It has been hard for me, the entire franchise, the owners, the coaches, and everyone associated with RR. Jos was family to us,” he added.
As the Rajasthan Royals gear up for the IPL 2025 season, their first match will be against Sunrisers Hyderabad on March 23 at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad. While Buttler may no longer be part of the team, the memories of his impact on the Royals will remain cherished by fans and teammates alike.