Gujarat Titans’ Jos Buttler who plied his trade for the Rajasthan Royals since the 2018 season before getting released by the franchise before the 2025 IPL mega auctions, said it felt strange to be on the opposite side to the Royals but it made him even more desperate to win the match on Wednesday.
“It did feel a bit strange being on the other side against Rajasthan Royals. But to be honest, I was even more desperate for the win today. I think it was an excellent team performance. I’m really enjoying the new challenge. I’ve been batting at No. 3 for England recently, so it’s not unfamiliar. It helps that I’m coming in behind two fantastic openers who usually lay a strong platform. If there’s any swing, they deal with it, and I get to walk in once the ball stops moving, which is quite nice,” Buttler said in an interaction with JioHotstar.
Buttler, who was bought by GT for Rs 15.75, has been in decent fom for his new franchise, scoring 202 runs with a high score of 73 not out in the match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru on April 2. In their last match against Rajasthan Royals on Wednesday, he chipped in with a steady 25-ball 36 with Gujarat ultimately winning the match by 58 runs.
Before the start of the IPL, Royals captain Sanju Samson would go as far as to say if it was up to him he would change the rule of releasing the players.
“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. 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 had said speaking on Star Sports.