After months of strategizing, IPL franchises have finalized their retention lists for the 2025 season. Some teams have gone all-in to secure their star players, while others have released key figures in preparation for the mega auction.
KKR and RR have made bold moves by retaining six players each, a strategy that may limit their flexibility in the auction. With a salary cap of INR 120 crore to build a 25-member squad, these teams could face challenges in creating a well-rounded lineup. In contrast, Punjab Kings adopted a conservative approach, retaining only two players, which leaves them with the largest auction purse.
3 players who could be risk retention in IPL 2025
Rohit Sharma
After extensive negotiations, Mumbai Indians have decided to retain Rohit Sharma. However, as the saying goes, “Two swords can’t stay in one sheath,” hinting at the potential for conflict with Hardik Pandya, as both are strong leaders within the team. Although Pandya holds the captaincy, Sharma’s seniority ensures his influence over decisions, which could create a challenging dynamic. Their partnership didn’t yield the desired results for Mumbai Indians in the IPL 2024, and this leadership balance will be critical for the team’s success moving forward
Yash Dayal
Royal Challengers Bangalore have chosen to retain Yash Dayal over their mainstay bowler Mohammed Siraj. While Dayal is currently in good form and has the potential to make an impact, his inconsistency with line and length has cost him in past IPL seasons. This move could either prove to be a trump card for RCB or become one of their biggest gambles in the upcoming season.
Shahrukh Khan
Gujarat Titans’ decision to retain Shahrukh Khan came as a surprise, given his underwhelming performance in the previous IPL season. The all-rounder managed only 127 runs across seven matches, averaging 18.14, and failed to claim any wickets in IPL 2024. Retained as an uncapped player, Shahrukh Khan’s selection could be a high-risk move for the Titans in the upcoming season.