IPL 2025: ‘Was Family to us’ – Sanju Samson Reveals Rajasthan Royals Will Miss Jos Buttler, Unhappy With IPL Rule

Sanju Samson has revealed Rajasthan Royals (RR) will miss 'elder brother' Jos Buttler going into the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, saying the England star was like family to the entire franchise.

Buttler was released into the auction pool, where he ended up being picked by Gujarat Titans (GT) for Rs 15.75 crore, the most expensive amount paid for an overseas player at the two-day IPL 2025 Mega Auction in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

His release from the franchise, ended a 7-year stint at Rajasthan Royals. Following the release, Buttler took to social media to pen emotional note as Royals had already used up their retention slots and most of the funds going into the auction, where they could have bought England star again.

"If it turns out that this is the end, thank you @rajasthanroyals and everyone involved with the franchise for 7 incredible seasons together. 2018 kickstarted the best years of my cricketing career and many of my most cherished memories have come in a Pink shirt over the last 6 years. Thank you for welcoming me and my family with open arms. Could write so much more but let's leave it there," Buttler posted on his Instagram account.

The 34-year-old England wicketkeeper-batter had moved to the Royals along with Samson back in the 2018 Mega Auction for Rs 4.4 Crore. Since his move to the Royals, Buttler had established himself as one of the pivotal figures in the franchise.

Samson, who has played alongside Buttler for the past seven editions, also opened up on how he is yet to get over the fact that the England batter will no longer be with franchise before adding that they shared a brotherly bond.

"IPL gives you the opportunity to lead a team and play at the highest level, but it also allows you to build close friendships. Jos Buttler is one of my closest friends. We played together for seven years, forming a long batting partnership," Samson said during SuperStar series on JioHotstar.

"We knew each other so well and always kept in touch. He was like an elder brother to me. When I became captain, he was my vice-captain and played a huge role in helping me lead the team. Letting him go has been one of the most challenging things for me. Even during the England series, I told him over dinner that I was still not over it."

Samson also added that if he could change one thing in the Indian Premier League, it would be the rule of releasing players, something that has been long-debated and a topic which many have had mixed opinions on.

"If I could change one thing in the IPL, I would change the rule of releasing players. While it has its positives, on a personal level, you lose connections and relationships built over years. It has been hard for me, the entire franchise, the owners, the coaches, and everyone associated with RR. Jos was family to us," Samson added.

Buttler amassed 3055 runs, the second highest for the franchise behind Samson. In his 82 innings, Buttler scored 7 centuries and 18 fifties, playing many match-winning knocks for the Rajasthan Royals. He will next face his previous employers on April 9 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.