Jos Buttler and Sanju Samson played together for seven years at Rajasthan Royals • BCCI
Rajasthan Royals captain Sanju Samson admitted that deciding to let go of Jos Buttler before the IPL 2025 auction was one of the toughest choices he has faced.
Buttler was a key player for RR from 2018 to 2024, becoming their highest run-scorer with 3055 runs in 83 matches, averaging 41.84 with a strike rate of 147.79. Despite his contributions, RR retained other players for the upcoming season, and Buttler was eventually signed by Gujarat Titans in the mega auction.
“The IPL provides a great platform to lead a team, compete at the highest level, and form strong bonds,” Samson told Jiostar. “Jos Buttler is one of my closest friends. We have played together for seven years. Our time batting together has allowed us to understand each other very well. He’s been like an elder brother to me. I always turned to him when in doubt. When I became captain in 2021, he served as my vice-captain and helped me grow into the role.”
“Letting him go was an incredibly challenging decision. Even during the recent England series, I mentioned to him over dinner that I was still not completely over it. If I could change one rule in the IPL, it would be the player release rule every three years. While it has advantages, personally, you lose the connection and relationships built over time. He was part of our family. What more can I say?”
Despite Buttler’s departure, Samson expressed enthusiasm about collaborating with Rahul Dravid, who is returning to RR as coach. Dravid was the captain of RR when Samson made his IPL debut in 2013 and served as the team mentor for the following two seasons.
“Rahul sir was the one who scouted me during trials,” Samson recalled. “He approached me and asked if I would play for his team. From that moment to now, with me as the franchise captain and him returning, I am extremely grateful, and we all in the franchise are to have Rahul sir back. I have played under him as a player when he was captain at RR and also in the Indian team when he was the coach. The captain-coach relationship is very special, and I am eager to learn a lot from him.”
“He is a consummate professional, ensuring everything is done correctly. I was with him last month at RR’s sports academy in Nagpur. From 10 AM to 5 PM, he was in the heat, observing batsmen and bowlers, interacting and discussing with coaches. He is fully involved in every aspect. I believe preparation is a significant part of his character, and it’s something I need to learn more about.”
In related news, Dravid sustained a minor foot injury while playing cricket in Bengaluru. The franchise has announced that he is recovering well and is expected to join the squad in Jaipur on Wednesday.
Samson Praises Young Talent Vaibhav Suryavanshi
Samson debuted in the IPL at the age of 18. This year, RR’s squad includes an even younger player: 13-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi. When asked if he had any advice for Suryavanshi, Samson shared his approach to mentoring young players.
“I prefer not to give unsolicited advice,” Samson explained. “My approach with young players is to observe them, understand their preferences, their playing style, and ask them what kind of support they need from me. Then, I adjust my approach accordingly.”
“Vaibhav looks very confident. He was hitting sixes out of the academy grounds. What more can you ask for? It’s about recognizing his strengths, supporting them, and being there as a mentor. He looks ready for IPL. It’s about maintaining his fitness and providing a relaxed environment, which RR is known for, and backing him. He has the potential to play for India in a few years. I believe he is ready to play in the IPL and make a significant impact.”
