A mega auction is set to take place for the 2025 season of the Indian Premier League (IPL). This auction could occur at the end of November or the beginning of December this year. Before that, all 10 franchises must submit their list of retained and released players by the October 31 deadline, which also happens to be Diwali.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) recently issued new retention rules, allowing each franchise to retain a maximum of 6 players. If a team retains fewer than 6 players, they can use the Right to Match (RTM) card during the auction.
Speculations have already started regarding potential retentions even before the official list is out. Reports suggest that Rohit Sharma might leave Mumbai Indians, and there are rumors surrounding the potential retirement of Chennai Super Kings’ former captain MS Dhoni. Here’s a look at which players the 10 franchises might retain:
Mumbai Indians to Retain These 4 Players
The five-time champions Mumbai Indians (MI) are expected to retain their captain Hardik Pandya, former captain Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav, and Jasprit Bumrah. Additionally, they might use the Right to Match card for wicketkeeper-batsman Ishan Kishan and Tilak Varma.
Uncertainty Over Dhoni’s Place in Chennai Super Kings
Under Dhoni’s captaincy, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have also won the IPL title five times. CSK might retain captain Ruturaj Gaikwad, former captain Dhoni, Ravindra Jadeja, Shivam Dube, Matheesha Pathirana, and Rachin Ravindra. According to BCCI’s new rules, a player who hasn’t played international cricket for five years can be considered “uncapped.” Dhoni could remain with CSK as an uncapped player, though his future is uncertain until he announces his intentions.
The Fate of Three-Time Champion Kolkata Knight Riders
The three-time champion Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) may find it challenging to finalize their retained list. Reports suggest KKR might release their captain Shreyas Iyer while retaining Andre Russell, Sunil Narine, Rinku Singh, and Mitchell Starc. Harshit Rana could stay as an uncapped player.
Klassen and Cummins Likely to be Retained by Hyderabad
Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) is expected to retain captain Pat Cummins, Heinrich Klaasen, and Abhishek Sharma, with significant salaries for each. SRH might use the Right to Match card for Travis Head and Nitish Kumar Reddy.
Bangalore Team to be Completely Revamped
Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) seems inclined to rebuild its squad. RCB may retain former captain Virat Kohli, Mohammad Siraj, and Glenn Maxwell while releasing others, including captain Faf du Plessis, Cameron Green, Tom Curran, Rajat Patidar, and Yash Dayal.
Rajasthan Royals Also Face Retention Dilemmas
Rajasthan Royals (RR) might retain captain Sanju Samson, Jos Buttler, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Dhruv Jurel, and Riyan Parag. RR might use the Right to Match card for Yuzvendra Chahal and either Jurel or Parag. Players like Avesh Khan, Shimron Hetmyer, Trent Boult, and Rovman Powell could be released.
Gujarat Titans to Retain Shami and Gill
Gujarat Titans (GT) might retain captain Shubman Gill, Rashid Khan, and Mohammed Shami. They are likely to release Umesh Yadav, Kane Williamson, Wriddhiman Saha, Noor Ahmad, and David Miller, while possibly using the Right to Match card for Sai Sudharsan and Rahul Tewatia.
Delhi Capitals Under Rishabh Pant’s Leadership
Delhi Capitals (DC) might retain three core players: Rishabh Pant, Kuldeep Yadav, and Axar Patel. Pant is expected to continue as captain. Australian batsman Jake Fraser-McGurk could be retained among foreign players.
LSG’s Captain KL Rahul to Be Released?
Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) might release captain KL Rahul and could appoint Nicholas Pooran as the new captain. LSG might retain Pooran, Ravi Bishnoi, Mayank Yadav, vice-captain Krunal Pandya, and Ayush Badoni.
Punjab Kings to Retain Only One Player?
Punjab Kings (PBKS) might release their captain Shikhar Dhawan, retaining only fast bowler Arshdeep Singh. PBKS might also retain Shashank Singh and Ashutosh Sharma, while releasing key players like Sam Curran, Harshal Patel, Jonny Bairstow, Chris Woakes, Sikandar Raza, Jitesh Sharma, Kagiso Rabada, and Liam Livingstone.
