Rajasthan Royals (RR) have been eliminated from the IPL 2025 playoff race after a disastrous season, and their failure to qualify has sparked criticism of their decision-making, especially regarding their retention strategy. One key decision that has come under fire is RR’s choice to not retain Jos Buttler for IPL 2025, a move that many, including former Australian cricketer Adam Gilchrist, have labeled as a monumental mistake.
RR’s IPL 2025 Struggles and Buttler’s Absence
RR’s IPL 2025 campaign took a dramatic turn on Friday when they were defeated by Mumbai Indians (MI) by a massive margin. Chasing a challenging target of 218 runs, RR collapsed, losing wickets in quick succession and eventually being bowled out for just 117 in 16.1 overs. Key players like Yashasvi Jaiswal (13), Vaibhav Suryavanshi (0), and Nitish Rana (9) failed to contribute, and the absence of regular captain Sanju Samson was sorely felt.
This crushing defeat marked the official elimination of RR from the playoffs race, and the team now finds itself in the midst of a deep internal review of its strategies, especially its approach to player retention in the mega auction.
Adam Gilchrist Slams RR’s Decision on Jos Buttler
In a candid conversation with Cricbuzz, Australian legend Adam Gilchrist didn’t hold back when criticizing RR’s decision to let go of Jos Buttler during the IPL 2025 retention process. Despite Buttler’s stellar performances in previous seasons, RR decided not to retain him, opting for other players instead. Buttler was eventually picked up by Gujarat Titans (GT) for ₹15.75 crore in the mega auction.
Gilchrist expressed disappointment with the decision, saying, “We heard Mike Hussey admit that they (CSK) got it wrong at the auction, and they are out. Someone needs to be accountable for what happened with the decision on Jos Buttler. RR have got it wrong, and they find themselves eliminated as well. So, there has got to be some accountability. I would have thought certainly, internally, they have got to be asking questions. That was a monumental mistake.”
Jos Buttler’s Form with Gujarat Titans
While RR’s batting lineup has struggled in IPL 2025, Jos Buttler has been in excellent form with Gujarat Titans. Despite being shifted to No. 3 in the batting order, Buttler has accumulated 406 runs in nine innings at a remarkable strike rate of 168.46. His performances have been crucial for GT, including a match-winning fifty against RR. In comparison, RR’s highest run-scorer this season, Yashasvi Jaiswal, has managed 439 runs, but Buttler’s consistency with the bat has clearly outshone RR’s batting efforts.
The Impact of Buttler’s Absence on RR
RR’s decision to part ways with Buttler and not retain him for IPL 2025 has proven to be a costly one. The franchise, which has been plagued by batting failures throughout the season, is now left to question its auction strategy. Buttler’s absence from the lineup has left a void that RR has struggled to fill, and their decision to release him has certainly been a factor in their early elimination from the playoff race.
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