The IPL world is buzzing with speculation: will Sanju Samson finally cut ties with the Rajasthan Royals? For weeks, reports have hinted at a possible separation between the franchise and its long-serving captain. While rising star Riyan Parag’s growing prominence is part of the narrative, many insiders believe it all traces back to the Royals’ decision last year when Rajasthan Royals released Jos Buttler.

The Void Left by Buttler

A move that left Samson shaken both personally and professionally. The fact that Jos Buttler left RR has changed the team’s chemistry, and even though the Rajasthan Royals retained players like Jaiswal, Parag, and Hetmyer, the absence of their star opener has cast a long shadow.

Jos Buttler’s Golden Years with Rajasthan Royals

Jos Buttler was more than just a star overseas recruit. He was the heartbeat of Rajasthan Royals from 2018 to 2024. Across seven seasons, Buttler piled up 3055 runs in 83 matches, averaging 41.84 with a blistering strike rate of 147.79. His tally made him the franchise’s leading run-getter, and his presence at the top of the order gave RR both stability and explosiveness.

Jos Buttler Overall IPL Stats (RR)

From match-winning hundreds to steady fifties in pressure chases, Buttler became the Royals’ most dependable weapon. He even carried them to the 2022 final with a record-breaking season. But ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction, Rajasthan Royals retained players such as:

Sanju Samson (₹18 crore), Yashasvi Jaiswal (₹18 crore), Riyan Parag (₹14 crore), Dhruv Jurel (₹14 crore), Sandeep Sharma (₹4 crore), and Shimron Hetmyer (₹11 crore).

Noticeably missing from the list was Buttler. When Rajasthan Royals released Jos Buttler, it shocked fans and insiders alike. While no official explanation was given, the management’s emphasis on young Indian talent was cited as the reason. The reality, however, was that by ensuring Jos Buttler left RR, the Royals dismantled one of the most successful opening combinations in IPL history.

Samson’s Personal Blow

For Sanju Samson, Buttler’s departure wasn’t just a cricketing decision, it was deeply personal. The two shared the pitch, the dressing room, and countless partnerships for seven years. When Samson rose to captaincy in 2021, Buttler stood beside him as vice-captain, guiding him through leadership challenges. To lose that ally felt like losing an elder brother. Speaking to JioHotstar, Samson admitted:

“Jos Buttler is one of my closest friends. We played together for seven years. During this time, our batting partnership itself is so long that we got to know each other so well. He has been like an elder brother to me. Whenever I had a doubt, I would talk to him. When I became captain, he was my vice-captain and helped me become a good captain. Letting him go has been one of the most challenging decisions for me.”

He even revealed that during England’s series against India, he confessed to Buttler over dinner that he “was still not over it.” For Samson, the system that allowed the Rajasthan Royals to release Jos Buttler to happen felt broken. He wished captains had more say in retaining key allies.

The Ripple Effect on Samson’s Future

So, what does this mean for Samson’s future with the Rajasthan Royals? Reports suggest he may have asked to be released before the 2026 season, with teams like CSK and KKR being floated as possible destinations. The irony is that while RR retained players for long-term strategy, they might now lose the man who has been their leader for nearly a decade. Without Buttler, Samson feels isolated. The management’s call ensured Buttler left RR, and in doing so, they inadvertently weakened the captain’s support system. Even with Rahul Dravid’s arrival as coach, the vacuum left by Buttler is one no mentor can truly fill.

Conclusion：A Franchise at a Crossroads

The decision when Rajasthan Royals released Jos Buttler was seen as a bold tactical move, but it may go down as the turning point that pushed Sanju Samson towards the exit door. Despite the fact that Rajasthan Royals retained players like Jaiswal, Parag, and Hetmyer, the bond between captain and opener was too crucial to overlook.

The day Jos Buttler left RR, the Royals lost more than just a batsman. They lost the glue that held their leadership core together. Now, as trade rumors swirl, the franchise faces the prospect of losing both an overseas legend and its long-standing captain. Sometimes, what looks like a smart decision on spreadsheets can unravel the fabric of a team in ways no one predicts.