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IPL 2025

IPL 2025 Retentions: CSK, MI, RR, PBKS, SRH- Possible Moves Ahead of the Auction

Oct. 17, 2024

As the IPL 2025 mega auction approaches, franchises are busy formulating their retention strategies. With the BCCI potentially allowing up to six players to be retained, including the Right-To-Match (RTM) option, team dynamics could see significant changes. In this two-part series, we break down the possible retentions for each franchise, starting with five teams in this first blog.

1. Chennai Super Kings (CSK)

Potential Retentions:
  • Ruturaj Gaikwad
  • Ravindra Jadeja
  • Shivam Dube
  • Matheesha Pathirana
  • MS Dhoni
CSK is expected to hold onto key players such as Gaikwad, Jadeja, and the rising star Shivam Dube. Pathirana, the young fast bowler, has also become a vital cog in the team’s bowling attack. Though MS Dhoni may not play beyond the 2025 season, the team's strategy will hinge on whether the BCCI approves their request to retain retired players as uncapped. Players like Deepak Chahar and Devon Conway, notable absentees from the speculated retention list, could end up in the auction pool, adding further intrigue to CSK's auction strategy.

Key Decisions Ahead:

  • The uncertainty surrounding Dhoni's future will significantly shape CSK’s retention policy.
  • Their focus on youth, such as Pathirana and Dube, indicates a long-term vision.

2. Mumbai Indians (MI)

Potential Retentions:
  • Hardik Pandya
  • Suryakumar Yadav
  • Ishan Kishan
  • Rohit Sharma
  • Jasprit Bumrah
With the IPL introducing a 'pay more to retain more' policy, retaining a core group of players will cost Mumbai Indians heavily. Hardik Pandya and Suryakumar Yadav are likely to be retained for, while senior players like Rohit Sharma and Jasprit Bumrah could command similar price tags to them, despite being their fourth and fifth retentions. Ishan Kishan, the expensive acquisition from the last mega auction, will likely be retained as their third pick.

Key Decisions Ahead:

  • Mumbai’s balance of Indian talent, including Hardik and Surya, leaves them with a substantial financial challenge in building the rest of their squad.
  • Expect minimal foreign player retentions as MI might prefer fresh faces in the overseas slots during the auction.

3. Rajasthan Royals (RR)

Potential Retentions:
  • Sanju Samson
  • Jos Buttler
  • Yashasvi Jaiswal
  • Trent Boult
  • Yuzvendra Chahal
  • Sandeep Sharma
Rajasthan Royals’ retention strategy will likely focus on a mix of their top-performing core players. Sanju Samson and Jos Buttler have been indispensable, while Yashasvi Jaiswal’s breakthrough as an opener makes him another sure pick. Boult and Chahal will bring both pace and spin options. The new retention rules, which allow retaining capped players who haven’t played internationally for five years as uncapped, open the door for retaining Sandeep Sharma as a budget option.

Key Decisions Ahead:

  • Balancing the cost of retaining multiple international stars like Buttler and Boult will be a key challenge.
  • RR may retain a few lesser-known names to manage their auction budget.

4. Punjab Kings (PBKS)

Potential Retentions:
  • Sam Curran
  • Arshdeep Singh
  • Kagiso Rabada
  • Liam Livingstone
  • Matthew Short
  • Ashutosh Sharma
Punjab Kings have often been a franchise that makes bold moves in the auction, but this time, they are likely to retain a few key players. Sam Curran, who led the team during the absence of Shikhar Dhawan, is expected to be a top retention, along with Indian left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh. Despite inconsistent performances, Kagiso Rabada remains a valuable asset in the powerplay, and Liam Livingstone adds explosive firepower. Matthew Short and Ashutosh Sharma might be retained as budget picks for the uncapped player slots.

Key Decisions Ahead:

  • Punjab’s retentions will focus on all-rounders and bowlers, giving them flexibility in the auction to strengthen their batting.
  • A heavy investment in overseas players could leave them with limited funds for local talent.

5. Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH)

Potential Retentions:
  • Pat Cummins
  • Abhishek Sharma
  • Travis Head
  • Heinrich Klaasen
  • T. Natarajan
  • Nitish Kumar Reddy
SRH had a strong IPL 2024 season but fell just short of the title. They are expected to retain key players like Pat Cummins, who captained the team, and Travis Head, a vital opener. Heinrich Klaasen’s exceptional T20 form makes him a high-priority retention, while Abhishek Sharma and T. Natarajan add all-rounder and bowling depth. Emerging talent Nitish Kumar Reddy, an uncapped player, could also be retained, particularly after winning the Emerging Player of the Tournament in IPL 2024.

Key Decisions Ahead:

  • SRH’s retention of Cummins and Head will cost them heavily but could be pivotal to their success.
  • Balancing overseas stars and nurturing young talent like Nitish Kumar Reddy will be a focal point.

Conclusion

With the IPL 2025 mega auction set to redefine team strategies, the retention policies of franchises like CSK, MI, RR, PBKS, and SRH offer a glimpse into their long-term vision. While financial constraints play a significant role in shaping their decisions, each team’s approach reflects a balance between experienced players and emerging talent. In the next part of this series, we’ll explore the retention strategies of the remaining franchises.