Rajasthan Royals (RR) captain Sanju Samson recently spoke about his strong bond with Jos Buttler and the emotional difficulty of parting ways with him. The English batter, who was with RR since 2018, was released ahead of the IPL 2025 auction. Samson admitted that this decision was tough for him and the entire franchise.
In an interview with JioHotstar, Samson shared how IPL helps players not just compete at the highest level but also build close friendships. He called Buttler one of his closest friends and said they had a great understanding on the field.
“Jos Buttler is like an elder brother to me. We played together for seven years and formed a strong batting partnership. We always stayed in touch. It was really hard to see him go,” Samson said.
A Key Player for Rajasthan Royals
Buttler was one of RR’s most important players. He played a huge role in the team’s success and won the Orange Cap in IPL 2022. When Samson became captain, Buttler was his vice-captain. Samson praised Buttler for supporting him in leadership.
“When I took over as captain, he was my deputy. He helped me lead the team. Letting him go has been one of the hardest things for me,” Samson added.
He also revealed that even during the England series, he told Buttler over dinner that he was still not over the decision.
Samson Wants a Rule Change
The RR skipper also said he wants to change the IPL rule that forces teams to release players due to retention limits.
“If I could change one thing in the IPL, I would change this rule. It has its benefits, but on a personal level, you lose friendships and relationships built over years,” Samson stated.
‘Buttler Was Like Family’ – Sanju Samson
Samson also mentioned how Buttler was more than just a player for RR. He was like family to the entire franchise.
“It was hard for me, the owners, coaches, and support staff. Jos was family to us,” Samson concluded.
Despite Buttler’s exit, Samson hopes to keep their friendship strong and cherishes the years they played together at Rajasthan Royals.