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'Samson Played Big Role In…' - Dravid Reveals Reason Behind Buttler, Chahal's Release

Samson made key decisions on RR's retention [Source: @CricCrazyJohns/X.Com] Samson made key decisions on RR's retention [Source: @CricCrazyJohns/X.Com]

The deadline for the IPL 2025 retentions have ended and all the ten teams have finalised their retentions ahead of the mega auction. While a few teams went ahead with a clear set of plans, the others made some baffling decisions, and one of that side was the Rajasthan Royals.

As expected, the franchise has retained their star player and captain, Sanju Samson for an amount of 18 crore. The keeper-batter is a vital cog of the side and can play the dual role of keeper/captain to perfection, and as a result he gets the top retention. Apart from Samson, RR retained their core side, which included some top names.

Reason revealed why key players weren't retained in retention list

The likes of Yashasvi Jaiswal, Riyan Parag, Dhruv Jurel, Shimron Hetmyer and uncapped Sandeep Sharma were all retained by the team. However, the most surprising decision was the exclusions of three of their star players - Yuzvendra Chahal, R Ashwin and Jos Buttler.

Chahal has been their best bowler since he joined the team in 2022, and is also the leading wicket-taker in IPL history. Ashwin, on the other hand is a wily customer and can also chip in with the bat if needed. Buttler needs no introduction as the star player is the most destructive player in the league.

In the aftermath of the retentions, Rahul Dravid, the head coach of the Rajasthan Royals spoke in detail about their retention policy and how every decision was taken after Sanju Samson took the call on it.

“Sanju had a big role to play in these retentions. He faced a lot of difficulty, too. As a captain, he has build a lot of relationships with these players. We are very sad for the players we couldn't retain, and Sanju has worked with these players for 5-6 years now,” Dravid said after the retention list was announced.

No RTM for RR, means can't buy Buttler, Chahal back

Rajasthan have exhausted all their options and while they have retained their core side, their is no room for the inclusion of Chahal and Buttler with the RTM card. One possible reason for the exclusion of Buttler could be his recent injury record.

The England white-ball skipper has had a tough 2024 where he has been injured for the majority of the year. Perhaps RR never wanted to gamble on Buttler looking at his recent injury record.

However, Chahal's decision is still baffling as the spinner has been their best player for the last 3 seasons and has always delivered the goods. But with no RTM, RR cannot simply buy him back easily.