Rajasthan Royals captain Sanju Samson admitted that releasing Jos Buttler before the IPL 2025 auction was one of the most challenging decisions he has faced.
Buttler played for RR from 2018 to 2024 and was their top scorer, accumulating 3055 runs in 83 matches with an average of 41.84 and a strike rate of 147.79. Despite his contributions, RR retained only six players for the 2025 season, and Buttler was not among them. He was later picked up by Gujarat Titans in the mega auction.
Samson told Jiostar that the IPL provides opportunities to lead a team, compete at a high level, and form strong friendships. He considers Jos Buttler one of his closest friends, having played together for seven years. Their long batting partnerships helped them understand each other well. Samson views Buttler as an elder brother, someone he would turn to for advice, especially when he became captain in 2021, with Buttler as his vice-captain.
Samson expressed that letting Buttler go was a very difficult decision for him. He mentioned telling Buttler during the England series that he was still not over it. Samson wishes he could change the IPL rule of releasing players every three years because, despite the positives, it disrupts the personal connections built over time. He emphasized that Buttler was like family.
While Jos Buttler will not be with Rajasthan Royals, Samson is excited to reunite with Rahul Dravid, who is returning as coach. Dravid was RR’s captain when Samson debuted in the IPL in 2013 and served as the team mentor for the following two seasons.
Samson recalled that Rahul Dravid was the one who discovered him during trials, asking him to play for his team. He is now grateful to have Dravid back as coach while he captains the franchise. Samson is eager to learn from Dravid in a captain-coach relationship, having previously played under him as a player and in the Indian team when Dravid was the coach.
Samson praised Dravid as a top professional who ensures everything is done correctly. He mentioned seeing Dravid’s dedication firsthand at RR’s sports academy in Nagpur, where Dravid was actively involved in observing and guiding players and coaches from morning to evening. Samson believes preparation is a key aspect of Dravid’s character and something he wants to learn more about.
In related news, Dravid sustained a minor foot injury while playing cricket in Bengaluru but is recovering well and expected to join the squad in Jaipur soon.
Samson also commented on Vaibhav Suryavanshi, a 13-year-old player in the RR squad. Samson prefers to observe young players and understand their needs rather than giving unsolicited advice. He noted Suryavanshi’s confidence and big-hitting ability in the academy. Samson believes in supporting Suryavanshi’s strengths and providing a relaxed environment, typical of RR. He feels Suryavanshi is ready for the IPL and has the potential to play for India in the future.
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