NEW DELHI: The deadline for the ten franchises of the Indian Premier League (IPL) to submit their player retention lists has arrived, marking a pivotal moment in the preparation for the IPL 2025 mega auction set for the last week of November.
By the end of October 31, the composition of the teams for the upcoming season will be clearer as fans would get to know which players will stay with their current teams and who will enter the auction pool.
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Franchises have the option to retain up to six players, with a cap of five capped players and a maximum of two uncapped Indian players.
With an increased purse limit of Rs 120 crore, up 20% from the previous year, all the ten teams will be assessing the situation carefully.
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The cost of retaining players is predefined, with the retention of five capped players potentially depleting a team’s budget by Rs 75 crore.
Teams opting for fewer retentions have the strategic advantage of using the Right to Match (RTM) card during the auction, giving them the opportunity to reclaim their released players by matching the highest bid.
TimesofIndia.com have taken a detailed look at each of the ten IPL franchises and their potential retentions ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction.
Franchise-Wise IPL 2025 Retention:
1. Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)
KKR are expected to hold on to Sunil Narine and Andre Russell, two stalwarts who have been synonymous with the franchise, as their first and second retentions. It is understood that the Kolkata-based side is yet to make a decision on whether to keep Varun Chakravarthy or Venkatesh Iyer. However, with KKR looking to let go of skipper Shreyas Iyer, retaining Ramandeep Singh and Harshit Rana will ensure all-around depth at a lower cost. Rinku Singh will also make the cut.
Expected Retentions: Sunil Narine, Andre Russell, Rinku Singh, Varun Chakravarthy/Venkatesh Iyer, Ramandeep Singh, Harshit Rana
2. Delhi Capitals (DC)
TOI has already reported that Delhi Capitals will part ways with skipper Rishabh Pant. That said, Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav will likely continue as Delhi’s core spinners. Tristan Stubbs offers an aggressive batting option down the middle-order, while Abhishek Porel provides wicketkeeping backup.
Expected Retentions: Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Tristan Stubbs, Abhishek Porel
3. Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)
Indian cricketing stalwart Virat Kohli is irreplaceable for RCB, and his retention is guaranteed. And TOI has already reported that he will take over RCB’s captaincy once again. The inclusion of Yash Dayal, a promising pacer, will bolster RCB’s bowling department for the upcoming season. With only two retentions, RCB seem focused on reimagining their core through the mega auction, reshaping the mould of the team.
Expected Retentions: Virat Kohli, Yash Dayal
4. Lucknow Super Giants (LSG)
The 2025 retention list could be the end of the partnership between Lucknow Super Giants and KL Rahul. Nicholas Pooran’s explosive batting and Ravi Bishnoi’s spin magic have somewhat forced LSG to retain them. Young sensation Mayank Yadav offers pace options, while Ayush Badoni brings his flair. Mohsin Khan will likely remain on the list for his domestic potential.
Expected Retentions: Nicholas Pooran, Mayank Yadav, Ravi Bishnoi, Mohsin Khan, Ayush Badoni
5. Gujarat Titans (GT)
Ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction, GT are expected to retain their core group of players. Rashid Khan and Shubman Gill, with the latter reportedly accepting a pay cut to help the franchise retain its core, form the backbone of Gujarat Titans. Sai Sudharsan has proven himself as a reliable batsman. Uncapped Shahrukh Khan and Rahul Tewatia provide finishing power and all-round abilities, demonstrating a clear understanding of all possibilities before the mega auction.
Expected Retentions: Rashid Khan, Shubman Gill, Sai Sudharsan, Shahrukh Khan, Rahul Tewatia
6. Chennai Super Kings (CSK)
MS Dhoni, the soul of CSK, will be retained as an uncapped player for the first time in the history of IPL. Skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad and Ravindra Jadeja are expected to make the list. Matheesha Pathirana has been exceptional with his bowling in the IPL, and that is why CSK have no plan to part ways with the Sri Lankan.
Expected Retentions: Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ravindra Jadeja, Matheesha Pathirana, MS Dhoni
7. Punjab Kings (PBKS)
PBKS may focus on entering the auction with a large purse, so Arshdeep Singh will be one of their key retentions. Uncapped Shashank Singh, the gem of the season for PBKS last time, will be the second retention at an affordable cost, giving them flexibility in the auction.
Expected Retentions: Arshdeep Singh, Shashank Singh
8. Mumbai Indians (MI)
Rohit Sharma, Hardik Pandya, Suryakumar Yadav, and Jasprit Bumrah are indispensable, helping Mumbai retain their core group of Indian superstars. With no overseas name on the list, MI will also likely retain either Tilak Varma or Ishan Kishan to maintain that Indian mojo in the squad.
Expected Retentions: Hardik Pandya, Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Tilak Varma/Ishan Kishan
9. Rajasthan Royals (RR)
Skipper Sanju Samson continues to be the captain and leader of RR, making him a certain retention. Yashasvi Jaiswal has emerged as one of the most promising young openers in Indian cricket, while Riyan Parag offers all-round value and long-term potential. These retentions will allow RR to retain stability while focusing on bowling reinforcements at the auction. RR fans will miss Jos Buttler on the list.
Expected Retentions: Sanju Samson, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Riyan Parag
10. Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH)
With his performances in IPL 2024 and the subsequent T20 World Cup, Heinrich Klaasen has proved why he is a standout performer, making him an obvious choice for retention. Skipper Pat Cummins brings leadership and all-round ability, while Abhishek Sharma and Travis Head add ferocity to the batting lineup. Nitish Kumar Reddy has massive potential, and SRH are seemingly not ready to take a risk with him in the mega auction.
Expected Retentions: Heinrich Klaasen, Pat Cummins, Abhishek Sharma, Travis Head, Nitish Kumar Reddy
As the retention lists come to light, franchises are expected to preserve their core players while maintaining flexibility for the IPL 2025 mega auction.
Some teams, like MI and GT, are focused on maintaining continuity, while others, such as PBKS and RCB, aim to enter the auction with large purses to rebuild.
