
IPL 2025 Auction: Players Likely to be Retained by KKR and Other Teams
As the IPL 2025 auction approaches, all eyes are on the 10 franchises to see which players they will retain ahead of the mega event. With the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) likely to allow teams to retain up to five players, the decisions are sure to have a significant impact on the next season. Here’s a look at the likely retention lists for each team.
Chennai Super Kings (CSK)
Five-time champions CSK are expected to retain their iconic captain MS Dhoni, despite speculation about his retirement. Alongside him, current captain Ruturaj Gaikwad, all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja, and batter Shivam Dube are strong choices for retention. The only overseas player likely to be retained is Sri Lankan pacer Matheesha Pathirana.
CSK Likely Retentions: Ruturaj Gaikwad, MS Dhoni, Ravindra Jadeja, Shivam Dube, Matheesha Pathirana.
Mumbai Indians (MI)
Mumbai Indians face a tough decision regarding Rohit Sharma, their long-time captain, after replacing him with Hardik Pandya. Suryakumar Yadav and Jasprit Bumrah are easy picks for retention, while the franchise will have to choose between wicketkeeper Ishan Kishan and middle-order batter Tim David.
MI Likely Retentions: Hardik Pandya, Suryakumar Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Rohit Sharma, Ishan Kishan/Tim David.
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)
Defending champions KKR will have to make tough decisions regarding West Indian legends Andre Russell and Sunil Narine. Both players have been instrumental but are nearing the end of their careers. Rinku Singh and Phil Salt are likely to be retained, along with captain Shreyas Iyer. The final retention spot could go to either Venkatesh Iyer or Harshit Rana.
KKR Likely Retentions: Shreyas Iyer, Phil Salt, Rinku Singh, Andre Russell/Sunil Narine, Venkatesh Iyer/Harshit Rana.
Gujarat Titans (GT)
After a disappointing 2024 season, Gujarat Titans will look to rebuild around Shubman Gill, their captain. Mohammed Shami, Rashid Khan, and David Miller are likely overseas picks, with young talent B Sai Sudharsan completing the list.
GT Likely Retentions: Shubman Gill, Mohammed Shami, Rashid Khan, David Miller, B Sai Sudharsan.
Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH)
Following a successful 2024 season, SRH are expected to retain captain Pat Cummins along with their explosive opening pair of Abhishek Sharma and Travis Head. Nitish Kumar Reddy and pacer T Natarajan round out the likely retentions.
SRH Likely Retentions: Pat Cummins, Abhishek Sharma, Travis Head, Nitish Kumar Reddy, T Natarajan.
Rajasthan Royals (RR)
Skipper Sanju Samson and top batter Yashasvi Jaiswal are guaranteed to be retained by RR, alongside leading run-scorer Riyan Parag. The team will have to choose between leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal and pacer Avesh Khan for one slot, and between wicketkeeper Jos Buttler and pacer Trent Boult for the other.
RR Likely Retentions: Sanju Samson, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Riyan Parag, Yuzvendra Chahal/Avesh Khan, Jos Buttler/Trent Boult.
Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB)
Virat Kohli is a certainty for retention despite being 37, as he continues to be the face of the franchise. Faf du Plessis, Mohammed Siraj, and Yash Dayal are also expected to be retained, while the fifth slot could be a toss-up between Cameron Green and Will Jacks.
RCB Likely Retentions: Virat Kohli, Faf du Plessis, Mohammed Siraj, Yash Dayal, Cameron Green/Will Jacks.
Delhi Capitals (DC)
Delhi Capitals are expected to retain wicketkeeper-captain Rishabh Pant, who remains crucial to their future plans. Along with Pant, all-rounder Axar Patel and spinner Kuldeep Yadav are likely choices, with Australia’s Jake Fraser-McGurk and South Africa’s Tristan Stubbs rounding out the retentions.
DC Likely Retentions: Rishabh Pant, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Tristan Stubbs.
Punjab Kings (PBKS)
Sam Curran, who took over the captaincy last season, is expected to remain at the helm. Arshdeep Singh and Harshal Patel are also likely to be retained, while the franchise might opt to keep English all-rounder Liam Livingstone as their overseas player.
PBKS Likely Retentions: Sam Curran, Arshdeep Singh, Harshal Patel, Shashank Singh, Liam Livingstone.
Lucknow Super Giants (LSG)
Despite some controversy, KL Rahul is expected to continue as captain of LSG. Ravi Bishnoi and Mayank Yadav are also key retentions, while the overseas spots will likely go to Nicholas Pooran and either Marcus Stoinis or Quinton de Kock.
LSG Likely Retentions: KL Rahul, Ravi Bishnoi, Mayank Yadav, Nicholas Pooran, Marcus Stoinis/Quinton de Kock.
Conclusion
As the IPL 2025 mega auction approaches, teams are finalising their retention strategies, balancing the need for experienced players and young talent. With a maximum of five retentions allowed, each decision will be crucial for shaping the future of these franchises.(online casino games)