As the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season approaches, franchises are actively strategizing to retain key players from their rosters. A leaked list circulating on social media has sparked discussions about which players are likely to be retained, with each franchise permitted to retain up to six players. This includes a combination of direct retentions and the use of Right to Match (RTM) cards, allowing teams to secure their star performers ahead of the mega auction scheduled later this year.
Among the frontrunners for retention, the Mumbai Indians are expected to retain their core players, including Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, Suryakumar Yadav, and Hardik Pandya. The Delhi Capitals are likely to retain Rishabh Pant and Axar Patel, while facing a decision between Jake or Kuldeep Yadav. The Punjab Kings may focus on retaining Arshdeep Singh, whereas the Lucknow Super Giants could hold on to Nicholas Pooran and either Mayank Yadav or Mohsin Khan. These decisions highlight the franchises’ intent to maintain a competitive edge by keeping their most impactful players.
The Chennai Super Kings are anticipated to retain a mix of seasoned and emerging talents, including Ravindra Jadeja and MS Dhoni. Similarly, the Gujarat Titans are expected to keep Shubman Gill and Rashid Khan among others. The Sunrisers Hyderabad are rumored to retain Kane Williamson and Abhishek Sharma, showcasing their commitment to maintaining a strong lineup. Meanwhile, teams like the Rajasthan Royals and Kolkata Knight Riders are also looking at retaining key figures such as Sanju Samson and Shreyas Iyer.
While these retentions remain speculative until the official announcement is made by the franchises by October 31, they provide valuable insights into each team’s strategy for the upcoming season. The retention rules set by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) allow for a maximum of five capped players and two uncapped players per team, creating an intriguing dynamic as teams balance their budgets against player performance potential. As franchises finalize their lists, fans eagerly await the official confirmations that will shape the landscape of IPL 2025.