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IPL 2025 Mega Auction set to take place in late December or early January. With a new season comes new strategies, and this year’s auction will test the foresight and planning of every franchise. The auction will likely follow the format from 2022, where teams can retain up to four or five players. This restriction forces teams to carefully evaluate who forms the backbone of their squads and who will be released back into the auction pool.

IPL 2025 Retention List is Here

The mega auction will allow all franchises to rebuild or strengthen their squads by retaining key players and releasing those who no longer fit their strategy or plans. This will be crucial for teams aiming for a strong performance in the upcoming IPL season.

IPL 2025 Retained Players List Each Team Wise

With the auction drawing closer, let’s explore the expected retention lists and the rationale behind each team’s choices:

1. Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB)

RCB, known for their star-studded lineup, is likely to retain their biggest icon, Virat Kohli, who remains the face of the franchise. Alongside him, fast bowler Mohammed Siraj and young talent Rajat Patidar are expected to be retained for their consistent performances. Cameron Green’s inclusion would provide a much-needed all-round balance to the squad, giving RCB a solid core to build around in IPL 2025.

TeamRetained Players
Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB)Virat Kohli, Mohammed Siraj, Cameron Green, Rajat Patidar

2. Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)

KKR had a remarkable turnaround in IPL 2024, clinching the title. To keep the winning spirit alive, KKR will look to retain its key players like Sunil Narine, Andre Russell. Varun Chakravarthy, who has been a consistent performer with the ball, is also expected to stay. Rinku Singh is also set to remain with the franchise and is set to get a big pay rise. However, there is question marks over captain Shreyas Iyer, who according to various reports, could be heading out to mega auction. In that case, KKR has a great opportunity to retain the uncapped duo of Harshit Rana and Ramandeep Singh.

TeamRetained Players
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)Sunil Narine, Andre Russell, Varun Chakravarthy, Rinku Singh, Harshit Rana, Ramandeep Singh

3. Delhi Capitals (DC)

Delhi Capitals have been underperformers lately, but retaining the right players can set the foundation for future success. Team’s captain Rishabh Pant is said to be considering going into the auction with teams like CSK and RCB interested in his services. As of now, it is being said that Axar Patel is only sureshot retention at Delhi Capitals and the possibility that he will be made captain if Pant leaves.

TeamRetained Players
Delhi Capitals (DC)Axar Patel

4. Punjab Kings (PBKS)

Punjab Kings are at a crossroads after yet another disappointing season. There are speculations that PBKS might release most of their squad into the auction pool, including India international pacer Arshdeep Singh according to latest report. It is believed that Arshdeep want to test his market value by going into the mega auction. According to latest update, Punjab Kings is only likely to keep hold of Shashank Singh, who will be uncapped retention.

TeamRetained Players
Punjab Kings (PBKS)Shashank Singh

5. Rajasthan Royals (RR)

Rajasthan Royals, blessed with a talented squad, face a tough decision on who to retain. Sanju Samson, the captain, remains an obvious choice. Yashasvi Jaiswal’s promising talent, and Riyan Parag’s all-round versatility make them likely candidates for retention. However, according to latest reports, Rajasthan Royals could be letting go of star overseas batter Jos Buttler.

TeamRetained Players
Rajasthan Royals (RR)Sanju Samson, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Riyan Parag

6. Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH)

SRH is set to move on some of its experienced and long-serving players that Bhuvneshwar Kumar and T Natarajan. The franchise is set to retain star Australian opener Travis Head after his powerful showing in IPL 2024. His opening partner Abhishek Sharma is also set to remain with the franchise while South African hard-hitter Heinrich Klaasen is set to stay with the team for 23 crore. Captain Pat Cummins and new India international and all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy is also set to remain with the Orange Army.

TeamRetained Players
Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH)Travis Head, Abhishek Sharma, Heinrich Klaasen, Pat Cummins, Nitish Kumar Reddy

7. Chennai Super Kings (CSK)

CSK, one of the most consistent franchises, faces a pivotal moment with MS Dhoni’s potential retirement on the cards. If Dhoni retires, they will likely turn to young talent to fill the void. However, retaining Ruturaj Gaikwad, Shivam Dube, and Ravindra Jadeja is almost certain, and if Dhoni stays, he would undoubtedly be retained. Sri Lankan pacer Matheesha Pathirana has also become a local lad for the CSK fans and there is not doubt that the Malinga regen is set to remain with the side.

TeamRetained Players
Chennai Super Kings (CSK)Ruturaj Gaikwad, Shivam Dube, Ravindra Jadeja, MS Dhoni (if not retired), Matheesha Pathirana

8. Lucknow Super Giants (LSG)

As a relatively new franchise, LSG’s retention choices could set the tone for their future. KL Rahul, currently the captain, might be on the move to RCB if rumors are true. Regardless, LSG is expected to retain players like Nicholas Pooran, known for his explosive batting, uncapped Indian all-rounder Ayush Badoni, and pace bowler Mayank Yadav, who recently made his debut for Team India.

TeamRetained Players
Lucknow Super Giants (LSG)Nicholas Pooran, Ayush Badoni, Mayank Yadav

9. Gujarat Titans (GT)

Gujarat Titans, who debuted in IPL 2022 with great success but stumbled last season, have key players they’ll want to keep. Despite rumours that both Shubman Gill and Rashid Khan are likely to head out of the team, a latest post by the team’s hints otherwise. Sai Sudharsan, who has played some key knocks for the franchise, is also set to remain with Gujarat. However, there is still some debate around Mohammed Shami’s future in the team.

TeamRetained Players
Gujarat Titans (GT)Shubman Gill, Sai Sudharsan, Rashid Khan

10. Mumbai Indians (MI)

Mumbai Indians, known for their strategic acumen, face a tricky retention decision. Hardik Pandya, back in the fold as captain, will likely lead the list of retained players. Jasprit Bumrah’s exceptional pace bowling, Suryakumar Yadav’s batting innovation, and Rohit Sharma’s experience as a leader make them prime retention candidates. Mumbai will need to plan carefully to balance their star power with fresh talents.

TeamRetained Players
Mumbai Indians (MI)Hardik Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah, Suryakumar Yadav, Rohit Sharma

IPL 2025 Mega Auction Rumors

As with every IPL season, the rumor mill is buzzing with potential player trades that could significantly alter the dynamics of the teams. Rishabh Pant’s potential move to CSK, KL Rahul’s speculated transfer to RCB, and Rohit Sharma’s rumored switch to Gujarat Titans or Delhi Capitals have kept fans on their toes. While these are just rumors, they reflect the fluidity and unpredictability that define IPL auctions.

IPL 2025 Mega Auction What to Expect

The IPL 2025 Mega Auction will be more than just a player market—it will be a chess game where each move matters. Teams must not only focus on retaining their key players but also prepare to outsmart competitors in the auction. A well-thought-out retention strategy combined with savvy bidding during the auction can make all the difference between lifting the trophy or languishing at the bottom of the table.

The countdown to the IPL 2025 Mega Auction has begun, and as the clock ticks, the excitement and anticipation build. Stay tuned for more updates as we follow every twist and turn leading up to the big event!

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