As the excitement for IPL 2025 builds, franchises have now finalized their retained players list ahead of the upcoming mega-auction. The retention process has provided insight into the strategies of each team as they prepare for the new season. With some key players retained for hefty sums, and some surprising exclusions, the IPL 2025 season promises to be an intense competition, with all 10 teams setting the stage for high-stakes bidding at the auction.
Mumbai Indians (MI): Keeping the Core Intact
Retention Highlights: Jasprit Bumrah (INR 18 crore), Rohit Sharma (INR 16.30 crore), Suryakumar Yadav (INR 16.35 crore), Hardik Pandya (INR 16.35 crore), Tilak Varma (INR 8 crore).
Purse Left: INR 45 crore (out of INR 120 crore)
MI’s Strategy: Mumbai Indians have made it clear that they are going into IPL 2025 Retained Players with their tried-and-tested core. Bumrah, at INR 18 crore, becomes the most expensive retention for the franchise, signifying their commitment to the star bowler who has been the backbone of MI’s bowling attack. They’ve also held onto their key Indian players, with Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav, and Hardik Pandya leading the charge. The big challenge for MI will be balancing the retention of their top Indian talent while leaving enough space to recruit strong overseas players and fill out the rest of their squad.
Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH): Klaasen and the Overseas Focus
Retention Highlights: Heinrich Klaasen (INR 23 crore), Pat Cummins (INR 18 crore), Abhishek Sharma (INR 14 crore), Travis Head (INR 14 crore), Nitish Kumar Reddy (INR 6 crore).
Purse Left: INR 45 crore (out of INR 120 crore)
SRH’s Strategy: One of the most intriguing decisions of IPL 2025 retention was the huge price tag for Heinrich Klaasen, who has been retained for a whopping INR 23 crore — the highest retention amount across all franchises. The South African wicketkeeper-batsman has been a consistent performer and his retention signals SRH’s commitment to an overseas-heavy squad, with Pat Cummins and Travis Head also retained. With Washington Sundar, T Natarajan, and Bhuvneshwar Kumar among the notable releases, SRH will need to invest in their bowling department during the auction.
Chennai Super Kings (CSK): The Legacy Continues
Retention Highlights: MS Dhoni (INR 4 crore), Ruturaj Gaikwad (INR 18 crore), Ravindra Jadeja (INR 18 crore), Matheesha Pathirana (INR 13 crore), Shivam Dube (INR 12 crore).
Purse Left: INR 55 crore (out of INR 120 crore)
CSK’s Strategy: With MS Dhoni retained as an uncapped player for just INR 4 crore, CSK continue to focus on stability and experience. Dhoni’s retention at a minimal cost, thanks to the IPL’s new rule allowing uncapped Indian players who haven’t played international cricket for five years, is a masterstroke. Alongside Dhoni, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ravindra Jadeja, and Shivam Dube are key figures in CSK’s squad. As always, CSK has invested heavily in a blend of youth and experience. With a strong purse left, CSK will be looking to fill their squad with impactful players who can complement their top-tier core.
Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB): A New Era Begins
Retention Highlights: Virat Kohli (INR 21 crore), Rajat Patidar (INR 11 crore), Yash Dayal (INR 5 crore).
Purse Left: INR 83 crore (out of INR 120 crore)
RCB’s Strategy: With only three players retained, RCB have made a bold move to overhaul their squad for IPL 2025. The major highlight is the retention of Virat Kohli for INR 21 crore, signaling his importance to the team. However, with Faf du Plessis, Glenn Maxwell, and Mohammed Siraj among the notable exclusions, RCB will need to use their substantial purse — INR 83 crore — to add depth to their squad at the auction. This is an opportunity for the franchise to balance out their squad and perhaps even bring in fresh leadership.
Delhi Capitals (DC): A New Captain on the Horizon
Retention Highlights: Axar Patel (INR 16.5 crore), Kuldeep Yadav (INR 13.25 crore), Tristan Stubbs (INR 10 crore), Abishek Porel (INR 4 crore).
Purse Left: INR 73 crore (out of INR 120 crore)
DC’s Strategy: Rishabh Pant‘s absence from the retention list is the biggest talking point for Delhi Capitals. The team will need to find a new captain for IPL 2025, which could shape their auction strategy. With Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav as their major retained players, DC will focus on strengthening their batting lineup. Their relatively large remaining purse will allow them to make key acquisitions at the auction.
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR): A Bold New Look
Retention Highlights: Rinku Singh (INR 13 crore), Andre Russell (INR 12 crore), Sunil Narine (INR 12 crore), Varun Chakravarthy (INR 12 crore).
Purse Left: INR 51 crore (out of INR 120 crore)
KKR’s Strategy: After letting go of their captain Shreyas Iyer and Mitchell Starc, Kolkata Knight Riders have made some bold choices for IPL 2025. With Rinku Singh being retained for the first time at INR 13 crore, KKR are clearly investing in younger talent. The retention of Andre Russell and Sunil Narine gives the team much-needed firepower, but KKR will have to navigate the auction to build a competitive squad for the new season.
Rajasthan Royals (RR): A Batting-Focused Strategy
Retention Highlights: Sanju Samson (INR 18 crore), Yashasvi Jaiswal (INR 18 crore), Shimron Hetmyer (INR 11 crore), Riyan Parag (INR 14 crore).
Purse Left: INR 41 crore (out of INR 120 crore)
RR’s Strategy: Rajasthan Royals have gone heavy on batting, retaining five top-order players including Sanju Samson and Yashasvi Jaiswal, while keeping only one bowler, Sandeep Sharma. The franchise will need to bolster their bowling attack in the auction. With a strong middle order and young talent in Parag and Hetmyer, RR will look to build on their foundation for IPL 2025.
Gujarat Titans (GT): Focusing on Key Performers
Retention Highlights: Rashid Khan (INR 18 crore), Shubman Gill (INR 16.5 crore), Sai Sudharsan (INR 8.5 crore).
Purse Left: INR 69 crore (out of INR 120 crore)
GT’s Strategy: Rashid Khan and Shubman Gill are the two key pillars for Gujarat Titans heading into IPL 2025. However, with Mohammed Shami and David Miller not retained, the franchise will need to find a solid bowler and middle-order batsman in the auction. Sai Sudharsan’s retention adds depth to their squad, but GT will be cautious in their auction decisions, particularly with their remaining purse.
Lucknow Super Giants (LSG): A New Captaincy Opportunity
Retention Highlights: Nicholas Pooran (INR 21 crore), Ravi Bishnoi (INR 11 crore), Mayank Yadav (INR 11 crore).
Purse Left: INR 69 crore (out of INR 120 crore)
LSG’s Strategy: KL Rahul’s absence from the retention list means Lucknow Super Giants will be looking for a new captain. The retention of Nicholas Pooran for INR 21 crore signals LSG’s focus on power-hitting, while Ravi Bishnoi’s inclusion adds a solid spin option. With INR 69 crore remaining, LSG has room to target the right players in the auction, particularly to fill out their leadership void.
Punjab Kings (PBKS): Complete Overhaul Expected
Retention Highlights: Shashank Singh (INR 5.5 crore), Prabhsimran Singh (INR 4 crore).
Purse Left: INR 110.5 crore (out of INR 120 crore)
PBKS’s Strategy: With only two players retained, Punjab Kings have the most flexibility heading into the IPL 2025 auction.
