England white-ball skipper Jos Buttler was released by Rajasthan Royals last Thursday. The 34-year-old posted a heartfelt message on his Instagram handle where he thanked the team and Royals fans for the journey. Skipper Sanju Samson also came up with a terrific reply to the post.
Jos Buttler wrote, “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."
Sanju Samson replied, “You will be one of the greatest ever to wear Pink. Forever a part of the Royals Family." The 29-year-old also put up an emoji which showed the sadness at the decision to release the England star. There will be a massive bidding for Buttler once his name comes up during the IPL 2025 Auctions in a few weeks.
Rajasthan Royals have retained the core of Indian players. Sanju Samson, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Riyan Parag, Sandeep Sharma, Dhruv Jurel, and Shimron Hetmyer were retained by the team. The Royals have the lowest budget with INR 41 Crores left in their kitty ahead of the IPL 2025 auctions.
Jos Buttler’s IPL journey so far:
England cricket star Jos Buttler began his IPL career with Mumbai Indians making his debut in 2016. He played two seasons with the then the Rohit Sharma side and won the 2017 title as well. Buttler played 24 games for Mumbai and scored 527 runs with one fifty before being released at the end of the season.
Rajasthan Royals picked up the dynamic wicketkeeper and batter and there was no looking back. In 83 games with the Royals, the England star scored 3055 runs with an average of 41 and a strike rate of 147.80. The 34-year-old also scored 7 centuries and 18 fifties for the men in pink.
Jos Buttler’s best season for the Royals came in 2022 where Sanju Samson’s side reached the finals. The right-handed batter scored 863 runs from 17 matches with centuries and four fifties. His average that season was a staggering 57.53 and a strike rate of 149.