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 rumors—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.
Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB):
Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) are expected to begin anew, retaining only Virat Kohli as their key player. Yash Dayal might also be considered as an uncapped pick alongside Kohli. Additionally, the Karnataka government has requested that RCB sign more local players to build a strong core team. In response, RCB has set its sights on a few Karnataka players, including KL Rahul and Devdutt Padikkal, among others. Overall, RCB will likely adhere to its traditional approach. As for Mohammed Siraj, RCB may either use the Right to Match (RTM) option to buy him back or retain him alongside Virat Kohli.
(Probable Retentions: Virat Kohli, Mohammed Siraj, Yash Dayal)
Punjab Kings (PBKS):
Punjab Kings are currently linked with various rumors regarding their player retention ahead of the upcoming auction. It appears they may not retain any players, as discussions with their star athletes have not gone well.
Starting with Arshdeep Singh, he is seeking the highest retention pay of ₹18 crore, which Punjab is unwilling to accept. As a result, they are prepared to let him go. Shashank Singh, who had a breakout season last year, is considering entering the auction since he is 32 years old and wants to capitalize on earning more during his prime years. Punjab Kings are willing to retain him as an uncapped player, offering a maximum of ₹4 crore. However, he feels he is worth more than that and is inclined to put his name into the auction.
The status of the other players for retention has not yet been confirmed. Punjab Kings are also eyeing various star players, such as Shubman Gill, whom they hope will lead the team next season. As of now, it appears that the Kings are starting from scratch, and their retention sheet could be empty by October 31.
Rajasthan Royals (RR):
The inaugural champions have yet to secure another title since their first season. Although they are known for having a balanced team, they experienced a significant decline last season, despite a promising start. This time, the Rajasthan Royals are focusing on a set of young talents, led by Sanju Samson.
There have been speculations about retaining Jos Buttler, but the management is considering moving on from their top run-scorer due to his age and the desire to bring in a younger player in his place. Given that Buttler has surpassed his prime, he may not appear on the retention list. The Rajasthan Royals are likely to retain their core group of young stars and build the team around them.
Possible Retentions: (Sanju Samson, Riyan Parag, Yuzi Chahal, Yashashvi Jaiswal and Dhurv Jurel)
Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH):
The star-studded overseas team, led by Pat Cummins, came close to winning last season. This season, they are taking significant measures regarding their retention strategy. Speculation has arisen around their retention slab, as the overseas players from last season could fetch big money in the auction. Therefore, SRH (Sunrisers Hyderabad) will need to match the same amount for retention.
Interestingly, Pat Cummins has agreed to a lower salary than Heinrich Klaasen, who is set to earn 14 crores, making him the highest-retained player at 18 crores. There have been numerous rumors surrounding their retention decisions, and they were the first team to make waves this season by announcing their retention list ten days ago, likely to stir speculation.
In the announced list were retained players, Abhishek Sharma, Pat Cummins, Travis Head, Heinrich Klaasen, and Aiden Markram. However, the latter has confirmed that this was merely a rumour. Klaasen is expected to receive more than 18 crores, potentially around 23 crores, making him the first retention. SRH will adjust accordingly within the 75 crores allocated to them for retention.
Possible Retentions: (Heinrich Klassen, Pat Cummins, Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma)
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR):
Defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders have undergone significant changes since Gautam Gambhir's departure. They replaced him with Dwayne Bravo as the new mentor and made several adjustments in their scouting department. KKR is considering parting ways with Shreyas Iyer, as they are not willing to pay him ₹18 crore for retention. If Iyer does not agree to lesser pay, he may be released, and KKR will seek an alternative at the auction.
Additionally, KKR is not inclined to retain Mitchell Starc as their top choice for retention. The team feels that Starc is aging and his contributions, especially outside the finals, have not justified the investment. Besides these two star players, KKR may retain Varun Chakravarthy, Harshit Rana, and Vaibhav Arora.
Possible Retentions: (Varun Chakravarthy, Harshit Rana, Vaibhav Arora, Sunil Narine, Andre Rusell)
