Sanju Samson: As the countdown to IPL 2025 continues, teams have already started their preparations. Training camps are in full swing as players work towards fine-tuning their skills. Amidst all the hustle, Rajasthan Royals captain, Sanju Samson, has made a significant revelation ahead of the upcoming IPL season. While his team looks well-prepared and quite strong, one shocking move has left Samson disappointed — the release of star player, Jos Buttler.
Jos Buttler Released by Rajasthan Royals
Jos Buttler has been a vital player for Rajasthan Royals for several years. Since joining the team in 2018, Buttler became an integral part of the franchise. From 2018 to 2024, Buttler’s contributions were central to Rajasthan’s success, both as a top-order batsman and a crucial figure in the squad. However, when Rajasthan Royals revealed their list of retained players for IPL 2025, Buttler’s name was notably absent, leading to surprise among fans and pundits alike.
This decision to part ways with Buttler has not been easy for the team and its captain, Sanju Samson. In a conversation with Jio Hotstar, Samson opened up about the emotional toll of the decision. He admitted that releasing Jos Buttler from the team was one of the toughest decisions for him. Samson shared that Buttler is one of his closest friends in the cricketing world. Over the past seven years, they have developed a deep bond, both on and off the field. Samson mentioned that whenever he faced challenges, his first point of contact for advice or support was always Buttler.
The Emotional Connection Between Sanju Samson and Jos Buttler
The relationship between Sanju Samson and Jos Buttler goes beyond just being teammates; they share a personal connection. For Samson, Buttler has been like an elder brother. He expressed that Buttler was someone he could always rely on, especially when making difficult decisions. The fact that Buttler was released, despite their long-standing partnership, left Samson deeply disappointed.
Sanju also reminisced about the years they spent playing together in Rajasthan Royals. From 2018 to 2024, Buttler not only played a key role on the field but was also instrumental in helping Samson grow as a leader. Samson recalled that when he was appointed the captain of Rajasthan Royals in 2021, Buttler was made the vice-captain. During this period, Buttler played a crucial role in supporting Samson in his leadership journey. Samson acknowledged that Buttler’s advice and guidance were invaluable, and he credited him for helping him become a better captain.
Samson’s Desire to Change IPL Player Retention Rules
Sanju Samson’s frustration with the decision to release Buttler is clear from his statements. Reflecting on the situation, he admitted that if there was one thing he could change about IPL, it would be the rule that requires teams to release players every three years. Samson expressed a desire to see this rule revised so that teams can retain their players for a longer period. He shared that even during a recent series between India and England, he spoke to Buttler about how difficult it was for him to come to terms with the decision.
This strong emotional attachment to Buttler is evident in Samson’s response, and it’s clear that the decision to release him has had a lasting impact on the captain. For Samson, IPL isn’t just about the game; it’s about the relationships and the camaraderie shared with teammates over the years.
Jos Buttler’s Incredible Performance for Rajasthan Royals
Jos Buttler’s stats with Rajasthan Royals are a testament to his exceptional talent and consistency. Over the years, he has been a prolific run-scorer, amassing over 3,000 runs during his time with the franchise. Buttler’s strike rate of 147.79 and an average of 41.84 in 83 matches highlight his ability to dominate the opposition with his explosive batting style.
Buttler’s contributions were instrumental in Rajasthan’s success, and his performances often put the team in strong positions during critical matches. His aggressive batting at the top of the order made him a key player for the franchise, and fans loved watching him take on bowlers with his fearless approach. In addition to his batting, Buttler’s leadership qualities were also recognized by the team, making his release all the more emotional for both the team and their fans.
Jos Buttler’s New Journey with Gujarat Titans
With Rajasthan Royals deciding to part ways with Buttler, the England wicketkeeper-batsman has found a new home with Gujarat Titans for IPL 2025. As part of this transition, Buttler will bring his experience and expertise to the Gujarat-based franchise, where he is expected to play a crucial role in their lineup. His signing with Gujarat Titans has sparked interest among fans, as they eagerly anticipate how he will perform in his new colors.
While Rajasthan Royals fans will undoubtedly miss Buttler’s presence in the squad, the team’s focus is now on the future and the players who will be taking the field in the upcoming season. However, for Sanju Samson, the emotional impact of losing a close friend and teammate will be something that will stay with him as he leads Rajasthan Royals into IPL 2025.
The release of Jos Buttler by Rajasthan Royals marks the end of an era for the franchise. Buttler’s incredible performances and his strong bond with Sanju Samson made him a fan favorite, and his departure will undoubtedly leave a void in the team. However, IPL is a dynamic tournament, and with new players joining the teams, fans can expect fresh challenges and exciting performances. As for Sanju Samson, while he may be disappointed by the decision, he remains focused on leading his team to success in IPL 2025, with the hope that the team will rise above this challenge and continue to perform at the highest level.
