The anticipation for IPL 2025 is building, especially with the announcement of a mega auction at the end of this year. As part of this process, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is expected to reveal a retention policy soon, allowing franchises to retain a total of five players each. This will likely include three Indian players and two international stars, a slight increase from the previous season where teams could only retain four players each. Also, it’s rumored that the ‘right to match’ rule may be removed, adding another layer of strategy for teams as they prepare for the auction. Here’s a look at the potential retention strategies for each team.
Chennai Super Kings
The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) may once again feature the legendary MS Dhoni in their lineup. His experience and leadership are invaluable, making his retention almost a certainty. Alongside Dhoni, Rituraj Gaikwad is expected to be retained as the team’s captain, continuing to build the future of CSK. The third Indian retention could be Ravindra Jadeja, given his all-round capabilities. As for the foreign players, Rachin Ravindra and Mathisha Pathirana are in strong contention due to their recent performances and contribution to the team.
Gujarat Titans
For the Gujarat Titans, choosing five players to retain is a challenging task. However, it is nearly certain that captain Shubman Gill will be retained due to his vital role in the team. Other strong candidates include Sai Sudharsan and Mohammed Shami, who have consistently proven their worth. On the international front, Rashid Khan is a top choice for retention, followed by David Miller, both of whom have shown exceptional talent in previous seasons.
Kolkata Knight Riders
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) face a daunting challenge as they look to retain key players from their championship-winning squad. The likely candidates for retention include Shreyas Iyer, Rinku Singh, and Varun Chakravarthy, all of whom contributed significantly to the team’s success last season. Sunil Narine and Andre Russell, both seasoned players, could also be retained, balancing experience with emerging talent.
Delhi Capitals
The Delhi Capitals have a strong core that seems largely settled for retention. Captain Rishabh Pant is expected to top the list, with Akshar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav also likely to be retained for their all-round contributions. Additionally, young international talents Jake Fraser-McGurk and Tristan Stubbs have shown promise and could be valuable assets for the team moving forward.
Lucknow Super Giants
KL Rahul, a pivotal figure in the Lucknow Super Giants’ lineup, is almost certain to be retained. Key players such as Ravi Bishnoi and Ayush Badoni are also expected to be retained, emphasizing the franchise’s focus on retaining young talent. For the foreign players, Nicholas Pooran and Marcus Stoinis stand out as top candidates who could provide explosive performances in critical matches.
Mumbai Indians
The Mumbai Indians have a pool of star players that complicates their retention decisions. Big names like Hardik Pandya, Suryakumar Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, and Rohit Sharma make up a powerful roster, and the franchise will need to choose wisely among them. Foreign players Tim David and Gerald Coetzee are strong contenders to be retained, as both have proven themselves valuable in past seasons.
Royal Challengers Bangalore
Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) will likely continue banking on stalwart Virat Kohli, whose performances have remained consistent over the years. Other probable retainers include Mohammad Siraj and Yash Dayal, both of whom have been integral to the team’s strategy. The inclusion of Faf du Plessis and Will Jacks highlights the team’s vision to maintain a mix of experienced and youthful talent.
Sunrisers Hyderabad
With captain Pat Cummins leading the charge, Sunrisers Hyderabad are expected to retain him based on his strong leadership performance last season. The openers, Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma, are also likely to be retained. Additionally, young talent Nitish Reddy and explosive batsman Heinrich Klaasen add depth to their lineup, making player selection for retention a tough task, particularly for foreign slots.
Punjab Kings
As for Punjab Kings, the retention of Arshdeep Singh seems almost inevitable given his ability to deliver under pressure. Players like Ashutosh Sharma and Shashank Singh could also earn their spots on the list. Additionally, Sam Curran and Kagiso Rabada are expected to feature prominently as foreign players, due to their all-round skill sets and knack for match-winning performances.
Rajasthan Royals
Finally, the Rajasthan Royals are expected to retain key players including Sanju Samson, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Riyan Parag, establishing a solid foundation for their squad. Jos Buttler and Trent Boult, with their wealth of experience, are also likely candidates for retention, contributing both skill and leadership to the team.
