Jos Buttler, once Rajasthan Royals' star, hits 50 for Gujarat Titans against his old team; fans slam RR: 'Brainless franchise'

Rajasthan Royals are locking horns with Gujarat Titans in a high-stakes encounter at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur. For RR fans, this match is a tough watch, not just because their playoff hopes are fading, but also because they¡¯re watching Jos Buttler, once the heart of their batting lineup, now turn out for GT.

Gujarat Titans posted a massive total of 209/4, with Buttler playing a pivotal role. The explosive opener smashed a quick 50 off just 26 balls, taking charge during the middle overs and putting RR on the back foot. His aggressive knock, combined with captain Shubman Gill's solid 72, has put GT in a commanding position in this must-win match.

As Buttler continues to shine for GT, RR fans have taken to social media to slam the management for letting go of their star player. With so much on the line, facing off against a former fan favourite has only fueled their frustration.

Rajasthan Royals fans slam management as Jos Buttler continues to shine for Gujarat Titans

As Jos Buttler walked out to bat after Sai Sudharsan¡¯s dismissal, he wasted no time getting into his groove, finding the boundary almost every other ball. Watching him in full flow, fans couldn't hold back their frustration, with one fan venting, "Every shot Jos Buttler is hitting right now feels like a tight slap to Rajasthan Royals¡¯ management for letting go of someone who stayed loyal to this brainless franchise."

All these shots from Jos Buttler are tight slap on Rajasthan Royals management for releasing him despite his loyalty towards this brainless franchise @rajasthanroyals pic.twitter.com/dZnwIWrRle

¡ª Chinmay Shah (@chinmayshah28) April 28, 2025

Another fan wrote, "Jos Buttler has regained his gun form again. You try so hard to get one out from the openers, and then you end up getting hammered by Jos."

Jos Buttler has regained his gun form again. You try so hard to get one out from the openers and then you end up getting hammered by Jos...

¡ª arfan (@Im__Arfan) April 28, 2025

A third fan added, "I am still trying to figure out why Rajasthan Royals released Jos Buttler. Literally missing the opening Jodi of Jos Buttler and Yashasvi Jaiswal."

I am Still Trying To Figure Out That Why Rajashthan Royals Released Jos Buttler ?
Literally Missing Opening Jodi of Jos Buttler and Yashasvi Jaiswal ? pic.twitter.com/yD1ccuzLnK

¡ª Crictale_Yash (@FeelTuner84754) April 28, 2025

Another frustrated RR fan added, "How on earth did RR let go of their main batter, Jos Buttler, in the auction?! braindead franchise." "Zero sympathy for RR now. Jos Buttler should destroy them completely tonight," added one user.

Zero sympathy for RR now. Jos Buttler should destroy them completely tonight

¡ª AntiBazballian ? ? (@rs_3702) April 28, 2025

Jos Buttler was once the main man of Rajasthan Royals

Jos Buttler wasn¡¯t just another big name at Rajasthan Royals; for a lot of fans, he was the Royals. From 2018 to 2024, Buttler lit up stadiums in the pink jersey, racking up over 3,000 runs and delivering performances that fans still talk about. His 2022 season, where he smashed four centuries and walked away with the Orange Cap after scoring 863 runs, cemented his place as an RR legend.

Credit: X

So, when RR decided not to retain him ahead of the 2025 mega auction, it stung fans as they did not anticipate this move. Once Buttler¡¯s name was out there, it was always going to be tough for the Royals to win him back. Teams with bigger budgets and a hunger to rebuild strong squads went hard. RR did try as they pushed their bid up to ?9.75 crore, but Gujarat Titans went all the way, signing Buttler for a massive ?15.75 crore, making him the most expensive overseas player at the IPL 2025 auction.

While Buttler has now well settled in GT colours, fans of the Royals have not forgiven the management, and with the ace wicketkeeper batter facing RR, it feels like a punch in the gut for fans.