The IPL 2025 curtain raiser is just around the corner, with all 10 teams preparing to submit their retention lists ahead of the Mega Auction. The submission deadline is October 31, and anticipation is building as fans and analysts alike speculate about potential changes. Amidst the swirling rumours—some based on fact and others mere speculation—exciting revelations are expected as India awaits the retention announcements for its beloved teams in the world’s biggest cricket league. Here’s a collective overview of the latest speculation surrounding all 10 IPL teams ahead of Retention Day.
Chennai Super Kings (CSK):
The most successful franchise in the tournament is often considered the most relaxed team, as expectations for their potential retention are typically high across the country. The one thing the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) did not confirm was the return of MS Dhoni, who was rumoured to be retained as an uncapped player. After several meetings and discussions, MS Dhoni indirectly indicated he would be part of the Chennai Super Kings ahead of the IPL 2025. He is also expected to be retained as an uncapped player. Here are the possible retention scenarios for the Chennai Super Kings ahead of the Mega Auction.
(Possible Retention:Â Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ravindra Jadeja, Matheesha Pathirana, Mahendra Singh Dhoni)
Delhi Capitals (DC):
Delhi Capitals has undergone significant changes both externally and internally. The GMR Group, the previous owner when the team was known as Delhi Daredevils, has acquired a majority stake in the Indian Premier League team. This has led to a major revamp, including a change in coaching staff. Ricky Ponting and Sourav Ganguly have stepped down, and have been replaced by Hemang Badani, Venugopal Rao, and a few others.
As a result of these changes, Rishabh Pant, the current captain, is not expected to be retained by Delhi Capitals. The new ownership is looking for fresh leadership, and Rishabh Pant's recent cryptic tweet suggests that he may be available during the auction. Overall, this new ownership group has initiated significant changes to the Capitals side, and more updates are expected in the future.
(Possible Retention: Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav)
Gujarat Titans (GT):
The Gujarat Titans have undergone an ownership change, with The Torrent Group acquiring the majority share from the CVC Group. Despite this change, they have managed to retain key members of their core group, including head coach Ashish Nehra. Although there were rumors about Nehra leaving the team, he confirmed a few weeks later that he would continue as part of the coaching staff. Parthiv Patel has been appointed as the assistant coach.
Regarding player retention, it appears that Shubman Gill is unlikely to be retained, as he has been in contact with the Punjab Kings, who are set to bid for him at the auction. Another star player, Mohammed Shami, has not yet been consulted about his future and is expected to enter the auction as well. Additionally, Rashid Khan, who has represented the Mumbai Indians franchise IPL, is also doubtful for the retention list. He has expressed a desire to play for the Mumbai Indians, which adds to the uncertainty surrounding his future with the Titans.
Given that many star players may not be retained, the Gujarat Titans could be facing a significant revamp ahead of the auction.
(Possible Retentions: Sai Sudharshan, David Miller)
Lucknow Super Giants (LSG)
The Lucknow Super Giants have recently been the subject of various rumors. Initially, their captain KL Rahul was expected to be retained by LSG. However, recent developments suggest that he may be released, as discussions have not yielded conclusive results. Moreover, KL Rahul has emerged as a primary target for RCB in the upcoming auction, where they are interested in pairing him with Virat Kohli and considering him as a potential captaincy candidate. As it stands, KL Rahul is likely to leave LSG, while the rest of the star players are expected to be retained.
(Possible Retentions: Nicholas Pooran, Ayush Badoni, Mohsin Khan, Mayank Yadav, Ravi Bishnoi)
Mumbai Indians (MI)
The star power of the Mumbai Indians has often been discussed, with notable players like Hardik Pandya, Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, and Surya Kumar Yadav in the spotlight. Recent speculation suggests that the Mumbai Indians have resolved some of their internal issues after reappointing Mahela Jayawardene as head coach, replacing Mark Boucher.Â
Additionally, it is reported that Jasprit Bumrah and Surya Kumar Yadav have agreed to play under Rohit Sharma, indicating that he will resume his role as the team's captain in the upcoming season. Regarding Hardik Pandya, discussions are ongoing about a possible retention.
Ishan Kishan, on the other hand, is not expected to be retained and is rumored to be released. Young talent Tilak Varma is also being considered for retention, though there hasn't been any official or unofficial confirmation from either side yet.
With these matters seemingly sorted, the five-time champions are looking to bring back the glory days ahead.Â
(Possible Retentions: Rohit Sharma, Surya Kumar Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Tilak Varma)
