The deadline for the ten Indian Premier League franchises to submit their lists of retained players ahead of the 2025 season mega auction is set for October 31 at 5 PM IST. This pivotal decision plays a crucial role in shaping the strategies of each franchise as they prepare for the highly anticipated auction. Below is an overview of the players slated for retention by their respective teams.
Chennai Super Kings will retain five key players, demonstrating a blend of experience and youth. Among those retained are MS Dhoni, the iconic former captain, captain Ruturaj Gaikwad, all-rounders Ravindra Jadeja, Shivam Dube, as well as Sri Lankan fast bowler Matheesha Pathirana. While the exact financial implications of these retainments remain undisclosed, it is worth noting that CSK will see a reduction of at least INR 65 crore from their total budget of INR 120 crore. This indicates the significant investment CSK is making in its core players as they aim for continued success.
The Gujarat Titans franchise is expected to retain five of their standout performers, identified as Shubman Gill, Rashid Khan, B Sai Sudharsan, Rahul Tewatia, and Shahrukh Khan. Notably, this strategy leaves them with one right-to-match card available for the upcoming auction, thus allowing them an additional layer of flexibility in their squad-building efforts.
Kolkata Knight Riders are likely to retain four players, notably Sunil Narine, Rinku Singh, Harshit Rana, and Varun Chakravarthy. However, in a significant shift, their 2024 title-winning captain, Shreyas Iyer, alongside star all-rounder Andre Russell, appears to be on the verge of being released, a decision that could impact the team dynamics moving forward.
The Lucknow Super Giants, on the other hand, have indicated their intent to retain Nicholas Pooran, Mayank Yadav, and Ravi Bishnoi. Additionally, they plan to hold on to uncapped players Mohsin Khan and Ayush Badoni. However, in a notable development, KL Rahul, who has been the team's captain since its formation in 2022, is expected to be omitted from the retention roster, suggesting a potential shift in leadership and team strategy.
Rajasthan Royals are projected to retain four critical players, which include Sanju Samson, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Riyan Parag, and Sandeep Sharma. Yet, reports have emerged indicating that both England's white-ball captain Jos Buttler and India’s leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal are not expected to feature in the retention lineup, signaling a recalibration of resources as the franchise gears up for the auction.
Lastly, Sunrisers Hyderabad is set to make headlines with their retention choices, highlighting South African powerhouse Heinrich Klaasen as their top pick. Klaasen is poised to receive a staggering INR 23 crore (approximately US$ 2.74 million) as their first retained player. Following him is former captain Pat Cummins, who is anticipated to be retained for INR 18 crore (around US$ 2.14 million), alongside Indian all-rounder Abhishek Sharma at INR 14 crore (about US$ 1.67 million). Travis Head and Nitish Kumar Reddy are also expected to join the retention fold as their final two capped players, which indicates a calculated assessment of player value ahead of the auction.
As the deadline approaches, these strategic decisions reflect not only the franchises’ intentions for the upcoming season but their long-term vision and commitment toward building a competitive squad. The financial aspects of these retainments, alongside the retained players' past performances, will inevitably influence franchise strategies and outcomes in the forthcoming IPL auction. Each team is demonstrating a meticulous approach to balancing player retention with the need for fresh talent, ensuring they remain competitive within the league's dynamic landscape.
The final retention choices will determine the framework for the mega auction, as franchises seek to reinforce their squads with the best talent available while maintaining a balanced budget. As fans eagerly await the outcome of this process, the implications of these decisions will resonate strongly throughout the 2025 IPL season.