IPL 2025

IPL 2025 Retentions: Full Team-Wise Analysis Ahead of the Mega Auction

Nov. 1, 2024

The much-anticipated IPL 2025 mega auction is around the corner, and teams have finalized their retained players, setting the stage for an intense bidding war. Let's take a closer look at each team’s retention choices, notable absences, and the budget they carry into the auction.

Mumbai Indians

Player Role Retention Cost (INR)
Jasprit Bumrah Bowler 18 crore
Suryakumar Yadav Batsman 16.35 crore
Hardik Pandya All-rounder 16.35 crore
Rohit Sharma Batsman 16.30 crore
Tilak Varma Batsman 8 crore
  • Remaining Purse: 45 crore
  • RTM Options: 1 (eligible for an uncapped player)
  • Notable Non-Retentions: Ishan Kishan, Tim David
Observation Mumbai Indians’ core remains intact with Bumrah, Rohit, Hardik, and Suryakumar forming the backbone. Tilak Varma, with his impressive form, rounds up the retention list.

Chennai Super Kings

Players Retained Retention Fee (INR crore)
Ruturaj Gaikwad 18
Matheesha Pathirana 13
Shivam Dube 12
Ravindra Jadeja 18
MS Dhoni 4
  • Purse remaining: INR 55 crore
  • RTM options at auction: 1
  • Players eligible for RTM: One capped or uncapped player
  • Big players not retained: Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra, Deepak Chahar, Shardul Thakur, Tushar Deshpande
Observation: Chennai Super Kings have chosen to retain a mix of young and experienced players, emphasizing core players like Ravindra Jadeja and MS Dhoni, who bring stability and leadership. With only one RTM option, their flexibility at the auction is limited, suggesting they may focus on targeted additions rather than a major overhaul.

Punjab Kings

Player Role Retention Cost (INR)
Shashank Singh All-rounder 5.5 crore
Prabhsimran Singh Wicketkeeper-batsman 4 crore
  • Remaining Purse: 110.5 crore
  • RTM Options: 4 (eligible for four capped players)
  • Notable Non-Retentions: Harshal Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Sam Curran, Jonny Bairstow
Observation Punjab Kings have retained only two players, leaving them with the biggest budget for the auction. Their choices reflect a potential strategy to rebuild around new talent.

Royal Challengers Bangalore

Player Role Retention Cost (INR)
Virat Kohli Batsman 21 crore
Rajat Patidar Batsman 11 crore
Yash Dayal Bowler 5 crore
  • Remaining Purse: 83 crore
  • RTM Options: 3 (eligible for one uncapped and two capped players)
  • Notable Non-Retentions: Glenn Maxwell, Mohammed Siraj, Faf du Plessis
Observation RCB retained three key players, including Kohli and emerging stars Patidar and Dayal, but will enter the auction with a substantial budget.

Rajasthan Royals

Player Role Retention Cost (INR)
Sanju Samson Batsman 18 crore
Yashasvi Jaiswal Batsman 18 crore
Riyan Parag All-rounder 14 crore
Dhruv Jurel Wicketkeeper-batsman 14 crore
Shimron Hetmyer Batsman 11 crore
Sandeep Sharma Bowler 4 crore
  • Remaining Purse: 41 crore
  • RTM Options: None
  • Notable Non-Retentions: Yuzvendra Chahal, Jos Buttler
Observation With limited budget, the Royals look for tactical acquisitions, especially an opener.

Sunrisers Hyderabad

Player Role Retention Cost (INR)
Heinrich Klaasen Wicketkeeper-batsman 23 crore
Pat Cummins Bowler 18 crore
Abhishek Sharma All-rounder 14 crore
Travis Head Batsman 14 crore
Nitish Kumar Reddy Batsman 6 crore
  • Remaining Purse: 45 crore
  • RTM Options: 1 (eligible for one uncapped player)
  • Notable Non-Retentions: Washington Sundar, T Natarajan
Observation Sunrisers’ strategy focus on retaining core players with international experience, balancing their options for the auction.

Delhi Capitals

Player Role Retention Cost (INR)
Axar Patel All-rounder 12 crore
Kuldeep Yadav Bowler 10 crore
Tristan Stubbs Batsman 10 crore
Abishek Porel Wicketkeeper-batsman 6 crore
  • Remaining Purse: 52 crore
  • RTM Options: 2
  • Notable Non-Retentions: Rishabh Pant
Observation Delhi has prioritized a blend of experience and youth, with flexibility to potentially bring back former players.

Delhi Capitals

Players Retained Retention Fee (INR crore)
Axar Patel 16.50
Kuldeep Yadav 13.25
Tristan Stubbs 10
Abishek Porel 4
  • Purse remaining: INR 73 crore
  • RTM options at auction: 2
  • Players eligible for RTM: One uncapped player and one capped player, or two capped players
  • Big players not retained: Rishabh Pant, David Warner, Anrich Nortje
Observation: Delhi Capitals have retained a smaller core, focusing on emerging talents like Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav, while releasing big names like Rishabh Pant and David Warner. With a substantial remaining purse and two RTM options, they are well-positioned for an aggressive auction approach, potentially looking to make impactful buys with both uncapped and capped talent.

Gujarat Titans

Players Retained Retention Fee (INR crore)
Rashid Khan 18
Shubman Gill 16.50
Sai Sudharsan 8.50
Rahul Tewatia 4
Shahrukh Khan 4
  • Purse remaining: INR 69 crore
  • RTM options at auction: 1
  • Players eligible for RTM: One capped player
  • Big players not retained: Mohammed Shami, David Miller
Observation: The Titans have built a balanced lineup centered around stars like Rashid Khan and Shubman Gill while parting ways with seasoned players like Mohammed Shami. With a single RTM option, they retain some auction flexibility but may concentrate on adding experienced players to complement their young core.

Kolkata Knight Riders

Players Retained Retention Fee (INR crore)
Rinku Singh 13
Varun Chakravarthy 12
Sunil Narine 12
Andre Russell 12
Harshit Rana 4
Ramandeep Singh 4
  • Purse remaining: INR 51 crore
  • RTM options at auction: None
  • Players eligible for RTM: None
  • Big players not retained: Shreyas Iyer, Mitchell Starc, Phil Salt, Venkatesh Iyer, Nitish Rana
Observation: Kolkata Knight Riders have opted to retain their core of all-rounders and spinners, including veteran players like Sunil Narine and Andre Russell, but do not have any RTM options, limiting their flexibility. With a relatively smaller remaining purse, their auction focus may involve finding value additions rather than high-cost purchases.

Lucknow Super Giants

Players Retained Retention Fee (INR crore)
Nicholas Pooran 21
Ravi Bishnoi 11
Mayank Yadav 11
Mohsin Khan 4
Ayush Badoni 4
  • Purse remaining: INR 69 crore
  • RTM options at auction: 1
  • Players eligible for RTM: One capped player
  • Big players not retained: KL Rahul, Marcus Stoinis, Quinton de Kock, Krunal Pandya
Observation: Lucknow Super Giants have retained a diverse lineup featuring key players like Nicholas Pooran and Ravi Bishnoi but have released big names such as KL Rahul and Quinton de Kock. With one RTM option and a considerable purse, they may focus on securing a marquee player at the auction, aiming to build around their retained core with versatile options.

Final Thoughts

Most teams have adopted a retention strategy around core players, while some opted for a larger budget for the mega auction, allowing flexibility to make substantial additions. With top players like Rishabh Pant, Shreyas Iyer, and KL Rahul going into the auction, the 2025 season promises some major bidding wars. Stay tuned as the excitement builds for the IPL 2025 mega auction! SOURCE