IPL 2025: Predicting Solo Retentions for Each Team

Speculation abounds as the Indian Premier League (IPL) builds towards the 2025 mega auction. With BCCI officials set to discuss the future retention policy with team owners, all eyes are on the possibility of each team retaining just one player. Ahead of this pivotal meeting, cricket enthusiasts are keen to predict which cricketers might be considered indispensable by their franchises.

At the crux of this debate are the divergent views of the franchises—some advocate for as many as eight retentions, while others argue for wiping the slate clean and advocating for zero retentions. The outcome of the BCCI deliberations later this month could significantly shape team strategies and player loyalties for the 2025 season.

Leading the pack for potential one-player retentions, Gujarat Titans are widely expected to hold on to their prodigious talent – Shubman Gill. His impressive track record and the responsibility of captaincy make him an ideal choice for the title defenders.

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), on the other hand, faces no such dilemma. Virat Kohli, a juggernaut in the cricketing world, has long been synonymous with the RCB jersey. His steadfast commitment to only play for RCB makes his retention a foregone conclusion.

Chennai Super Kings‘ heartbeat, MS Dhoni, is likely to be their pick if he’s game for another round of IPL cricket. His strategic acumen and leadership have become the core of the CSK brand, making him an invaluable asset to the team.

The Mumbai Indians, a franchise well known for its tactical astuteness, are predicted to hold onto Jasprit Bumrah. As one of the leading bowlers of his generation, Bumrah’s retention would be a strategic move to anchor the team’s bowling lineup.

For Kolkata Knight Riders, the sights are set on Shreyas Iyer. His batting finesse and the triumphant leadership that saw the team surge towards victory makes him a top choice to retain for the upcoming megastars’ auction.

Over at the Sunrisers Hyderabad camp, the debate is heated, but Australian pacer and captain Pat Cummins could be the choice for retention, given his international pedigree and leadership skills.

Lucknow Super Giants may experience a shake-up, with KL Rahul expected to depart. Trinidadian wicketkeeper-batsman Nicholas Pooran is tipped to become the new face of this franchise, donning the mantle of leadership.

Punjab Kings might find themselves eyeing England’s all-rounder Sam Curran for retention. His prowess with bat and ball has been evident, and his all-round ability could be the linchpin Punjab Kings builds around.

The Rajasthan Royals would likely stick with Sanju Samson, whose contributions have been pivotal since the team rejoined the league.

Delhi Capitals could see themselves re-strategize around Axar Patel. Known as India’s premier all-rounder, his all-around skills coupled with emerging leadership qualities make him an ideal retention candidate.

While the IPL 2025 mega auction’s retention rules are yet to be set in stone, these projections reflect the individual strengths and strategic importance of these players to their respective franchises. The final decisions, however, rest upon the outcomes of the BCCI discussions and the personal choices of the athletes themselves. The upcoming meeting promises to be a turning point, dictating the course of one of the most celebrated cricketing spectacles globally.