IPL 2025 Retentions: Key Players to Watch as Deadline Approaches
However, one player who has stirred significant speculation is Rishabh Pant. His recent cryptic social media post—questioning if he would be sold at auction—has sparked rumors about a potential shift to another franchise where he could take on a captaincy role.
As the IPL retention window nears its close, the upcoming season promises to be a thrilling spectacle, especially with franchises now entering the final negotiations with key players. Each team will have a budget of ₹120 crore to build their squad for IPL 2025, but how they approach retention will significantly affect their financial strategy ahead of the mega auction scheduled for late November.
Among the expected retainers are prominent names like Virat Kohli, Shubman Gill, Sanju Samson, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Pat Cummins, and Rashid Khan, who are anticipated to remain with their respective franchises. However, one player who has stirred significant speculation is Rishabh Pant. His recent cryptic social media post—questioning if he would be sold at auction—has sparked rumors about a potential shift to another franchise where he could take on a captaincy role.
Dhoni's Uncapped Status
In an unexpected twist, MS Dhoni will now be classified as an uncapped player, a change initiated by a rule revival from the IPL Governing Council. Since his last international match in 2019, this classification allows Chennai Super Kings (CSK) to retain him for a maximum of ₹4 crore, which could be a strategic move to keep him without a significant financial hit. Alongside Dhoni, Ravindra Jadeja is also expected to be a top retention choice, with Ruturaj Gaikwad likely following suit. The future of Shivam Dube remains uncertain, especially after his impactful performance last season. Among overseas players, Matheesha Pathirana is the leading candidate for retention, while Rachin Ravindra's promising tour of India adds to the intrigue.
Rohit Sharma's Future with MI
Despite rumors that Rohit Sharma might exit after a disappointing season under Hardik Pandya’s leadership, recent developments suggest he could stay, particularly with the return of Mahela Jayawardene as head coach. Their successful history together could play a pivotal role in Rohit's retention. With Rohit having led India to a T20 World Cup victory, his experience will likely see him retained alongside Jasprit Bumrah and Suryakumar Yadav, while Hardik’s captaincy remains intact. The decision for the fifth retention could hinge on promising players like Tilak Varma or uncapped talents like Nehal Wadhera.
KL Rahul’s Uncertain Future
KL Rahul's situation appears precarious, primarily due to his struggles with batting efficiency. Despite having scored all his IPL centuries as an opener, his strike rate has raised concerns. Reports indicate that Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) may part ways with him, particularly after new mentor Zaheer Khan’s critiques of Rahul's performance. LSG is expected to solidify their retentions, with Nicholas Pooran and Marcus Stoinis likely to remain. Other Indian players such as Ravi Bishnoi and Mayank Yadav are also expected to be retained.
KKR’s Dilemma
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) face a challenging retention decision. With Andre Russell and Sunil Narine’s unpredictable availability, KKR might still opt to retain them due to their historical contributions. Additionally, players like Varun Chakaravarthy and Venkatesh Iyer have proven to be valuable. The performances of Rinku Singh and Phil Salt add complexity, especially with Shreyas Iyer’s captaincy in question. Iyer's solid strike rate last season positions him as a potential captain, complicating the choice between retaining big names like Russell, Narine, and Salt.
As the deadline approaches, the retention strategies of IPL franchises will play a crucial role in shaping the dynamics of the upcoming season, setting the stage for another exciting chapter in Indian cricket.
