'You Lose Connections': Sanju Samson Wants To Change One Rule In IPL Following Jos Buttler's Exit From Rajasthan Royals

Indian Premier League: Rajasthan Royals skipper Sanju Samson opened up on star England batter Jos Buttler's exit from the Rajasthan-based franchise ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 and said that he wants to change one rule in the T20 tournament. The Indian wicketkeeper-batter added that he wants to change the rule of releasing the players.

Jos Buttler To Play For Gujarat Titans In IPL 2025

Ahead of the IPL 2025 mega-auction, the Royals did not retain Jos Buttler for the 18th season of the tournament. During the mega-auction, Gujarat Giants signed Jos Buttler for a price of Rs 15.75 crore, where he will play alongside Shubman Gill.

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I would change the rule of releasing players: Sanju Samson

While speaking exclusively on JioHotstar, Sanju Samson said that the IPL gives one the opportunity to build close friendships. He added that Buttler was one of his 'closest friends' in the franchise. The 30-year-old added that the rule of releasing players has its positives but one lose connections built over years.

"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... 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 told JioHotstar.

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Buttler has played 107 IPL matches, scoring 3582 runs at a strike rate of 147.53 and an average of 38.11. In IPL 2024, the Englishman appeared in 11 matches for the Rajasthan-based franchise and amassed 359 runs at a strike rate of 140.78.

The IPL 2025 will begin on March 22. The opening match will be between Kolkata Knight Riders and Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Meanwhile, the Royals will begin their campaign on March 23 against Sunrisers Hyderabad at Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium. Gujarat Titans will take on Punjab Kings in their opening match of the cash-rich tournament.