The IPL 2025 season is heating up with teams finalizing their player retentions ahead of the mega auction in November. This time, several star players, including some captains, will enter the auction pool as franchises make hard choices. The BCCI had set October 31 as the deadline for announcing retentions, and teams have now revealed their core players while letting go of some big names.
With media reports providing a clear picture, here’s a look at the players each franchise is retaining and releasing. Surprises include big names like Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant, and Faf du Plessis being released, setting up a thrilling auction season.
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)
KKR has decided to keep trusted players like Sunil Narine, Rinku Singh, and Varun Chakraborty, while releasing their star captain Shreyas Iyer, and explosive all-rounder Andre Russell. This move hints at a fresh approach for the team, possibly a shift towards younger talent. Also, Mitchell Starc, the league’s priciest player, will be let go, opening up budget space for new picks.
Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH)
Sunrisers Hyderabad is holding on to key players like Heinrich Klaasen, Pat Cummins, and Abhishek Sharma. Meanwhile, they’ve decided to part ways with experienced players like Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Aiden Markram, and Washington Sundar. This roster change signals a possible rebuild around young talents for the upcoming season.
Chennai Super Kings (CSK)
CSK, under the iconic MS Dhoni, will retain its core of Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ravindra Jadeja, Matisha Patirana, and Shivam Dubey. However, some key players like Devon Conway and Deepak Chahar will be released, likely creating room for new international stars. With Dhoni’s influence, the team is focusing on a balance of youth and experience.
Mumbai Indians (MI)
Mumbai Indians have chosen to retain big names like Hardik Pandya, Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, and Suryakumar Yadav, while surprisingly releasing Ishan Kishan and Tim David. This strategy indicates a focus on sustaining a core group that has proven successful, while allowing space for fresh faces to join the team.
Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB)
RCB will retain Virat Kohli, Yash Dayal, and Rajat Patidar, but are making bold moves by releasing high-profile players like Faf du Plessis, Mohammad Siraj, and Glenn Maxwell. It appears RCB is opting for a leaner squad around Kohli, potentially bringing in fresh talent through the auction.
Delhi Capitals (DC)
Delhi Capitals are retaining Akshar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, and Tristan Stubbs. Meanwhile, Rishabh Pant, David Warner, and Khalil Ahmed will be released, which may surprise fans as Pant has been a crucial part of the team. This approach suggests DC is ready for a lineup refresh to enhance their performance next season.
Lucknow Super Giants (LSG)
Lucknow Super Giants will build around Nicholas Pooran, Ravi Bishnoi, and Mohsin Khan but are parting ways with big names like KL Rahul, Marcus Stoinis, and Quinton de Kock. This shift likely points toward a new direction, possibly focused on nurturing emerging talent and strengthening their bowling attack.
Gujarat Titans (GT)
Gujarat Titans will retain their captain Shubhman Gill, along with Rashid Khan, Sai Sudarshan, and Rahul Tewatia. Notable releases include Mohammed Shami, David Miller, and Kane Williamson. This setup aims to maintain a strong foundation around Shubman Gill while creating flexibility in the auction for impactful players.
Punjab Kings (PBKS)
Punjab Kings will retain only Shashank Singh and Prabhsimran Singh, while releasing key players like Arshdeep Singh, Kagiso Rabada, Jonny Bairstow, and Liam Livingstone. With Shikhar Dhawan retiring, Punjab seems to be preparing for a massive overhaul, which could bring fresh international talent to the squad.
Rajasthan Royals (RR)
Rajasthan Royals are focusing on Sanju Samson, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Riyan Parag, and Sandeep Sharma. Meanwhile, high-performing players like Jos Buttler, Yuzvendra Chahal, and Trent Boult will be released. This retention list suggests RR’s trust in a young Indian core, especially with rising star Jaiswal in the mix.
The IPL 2025 mega auction promises exciting moves and team shake-ups, with each franchise set for a new beginning. These retention choices show a significant strategy shift for many teams, as they aim for fresh rosters and impactful buys. Fans can look forward to the auction, which will likely bring surprises and redefine team line-ups for the coming season.
