Ahead of the IPL 2025 season, Rajasthan Royals captain Sanju Samson expressed that saying goodbye to his close friend and teammate, wicketkeeper-batsman Jos Buttler, was incredibly difficult. He admitted that if he could change one rule in the IPL, it would be the player release system. Rajasthan Royals chose to retain Samson, Riyan Parag, Dhruv Jurel, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Shimron Hetmyer for the upcoming IPL mega auction, which unfortunately meant they couldn’t retain Buttler. Buttler is set to join Gujarat Titans for the season starting on March 22.
Samson shared, “The IPL provides a platform to lead a team and compete at the highest level, but it also fosters deep friendships. Jos Buttler is one of my dearest friends. We played together for seven years, building a strong partnership on and off the field. We understood each other well and always stayed connected. He was like an older brother to me.”
He continued, “When I was appointed captain, he became my vice-captain and was instrumental in guiding me in leadership. Letting him go was one of the most challenging aspects for me personally. Even during the England series, I mentioned to him over dinner that I was still not over it. If I had the power to alter one thing in the IPL, it would be the rule of releasing players.”
“While there are benefits to this rule, on a personal level, you lose connections and relationships that have been nurtured over years. It has been tough for me, the entire franchise, the owners, the coaches, and everyone associated with RR. Jos was like family to us,” Samson told JioHotstar on Wednesday.
Samson also highlighted the positive impact of retaining core players like Jurel, Parag, and Hetmyer. “It makes a significant difference to have players who are already integrated into the team. It simplifies my role as captain because we have established familiarity, both on and off the field, which enhances team coordination.”
Reflecting on last year’s mega auction, Samson mentioned Rajasthan Royals’ acquisition of 13-year-old batting prodigy Vaibhav Suryavanshi, now the youngest player to secure an IPL contract. Suryavanshi, a left-handed batsman from Bihar, also scored a century for India U19 in a match against Australia U19 in Chennai last year.
When asked about advice for young talents like Suryavanshi, Samson remarked, “Today’s young players are full of confidence. They are fearless and understand the current landscape of Indian cricket and the aggressive style of play required.”
He added, “Instead of immediately offering advice, I prefer to observe how a young player approaches the game, their preferences, and the kind of support they need from me. Then, I tailor my approach accordingly.”
“Vaibhav appears very confident; he was hitting massive sixes at the academy. People are already talking about his power-hitting. What more could you ask for? It’s about recognizing his strengths, supporting him, and being there for him as a mentor.”
“I believe he is ready to contribute. The key is to maintain his peak condition and provide a relaxed atmosphere, which is a hallmark of Rajasthan Royals (RR). We prioritize a positive environment in the dressing room and support our players. Who knows, he might even play for India in a few years. I think he’s capable of making a significant impact in the IPL. Let’s see what the future holds,” he elaborated.
Samson concluded by expressing his appreciation for the time he spends with the legendary MS Dhoni. “Like any young Indian cricketer, I’ve always admired MS Dhoni. Every time we played against CSK, I wanted to talk to him and learn his approach.”
“It was a dream for me. I remember a match against CSK in Sharjah where I performed well, scored around 70-80 runs, won the game, and received the Man of the Match award. After that, I met Mahi bhai, and our relationship has grown since then. Even now, I meet him frequently. Just yesterday, I met him again. It’s a truly blessed feeling to go from idolizing him to now sharing shoots and events with him. It feels like a dream come true,” he concluded.
