Teams have retained their chosen players ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 mega auction. Now, as all teams prepare to complete their squads in the auction, only the defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders will enter without the Right to Match (RTM) option. However, other teams still have RTM cards available. This season, though, the RTM rule has been modified with an exciting twist, promising even more entertainment and competitive bidding. Let’s explore what RTM is in the IPL and what changes have been made this season.
What is RTM in IPL?
The Right to Match (RTM) card gives teams a chance to reacquire their players by matching the highest bid placed on them during the auction. For instance, if Delhi Capitals aim to bring Rishabh Pant back, they can use their RTM card, enabling them to equal the top bid and secure his services.
According to the updated RTM rule, any franchise bidding on a player can continue raising their offer even after an RTM card is used. If the original team with the RTM card is willing to match the increased bid, the player will return to his former franchise.
How many RTM card IPL teams can use?
With the retention lists now announced, franchises will have their RTM cards adjusted based on the number of players they retained. Each team was permitted to retain up to six players, and any spots below this number will convert into available RTM cards for the franchise at the auction.
RTM remaining for teams to use in IPL 2025 mea auction
| Team | RTMs in IPL 2025 Auction | Players Retained |
| Chennai Super Kings | 1 | 5 |
| Delhi Capitals | 2 | 4 |
| Gujarat Titans | 1 | 5 |
| Kolkata Knight Riders | 0 | 6 |
| Lucknow Super Giants | 1 | 5 |
| Mumbai Indians | 1 | 5 |
| Punjab Kings | 4 | 2 |
| Rajasthan Royals | 0 | 6 |
| Royal Challengers Bengaluru | 3 | 3 |
| Sunrisers Hyderabad | 1 | 5 |
