The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season is gearing up to be another thrilling cricket showcase, with franchises already making substantial financial commitments in the player retention round. The recent retentions set new benchmarks as the franchises collectively spent a record-breaking ₹191 crore on only 10 players. With bids crossing the ₹18 crore mark for several top players, teams showed an unwavering commitment to holding onto their star performers ahead of the new season.
Let’s dive into the list of the most expensive players retained this season, highlighting each player’s value, expected role, and the excitement they bring to their respective teams.
1. Heinrich Klaasen (Sunrisers Hyderabad) – ₹23 Crore
Topping the list is Heinrich Klaasen, retained by Sunrisers Hyderabad for a whopping ₹23 crore. Known for his explosive batting style and ability to take on the best bowlers, Klaasen has been a vital player for Sunrisers, and the franchise believes he can steer them towards a title. Having led his team to victory in South Africa’s SA20, Klaasen’s retention signals Hyderabad’s faith in his leadership and match-winning skills.
2. Virat Kohli (Royal Challengers Bangalore) – ₹21 Crore
IPL icon Virat Kohli continues his journey with Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) as their top retention pick for ₹21 crore. Kohli, the all-time highest run-scorer in the IPL, brings unmatched experience and skill to RCB’s lineup. While primarily expected to open, there’s also speculation around Kohli stepping back into the captaincy role. His dedication to RCB over the years makes him the ideal candidate to lead the team into another promising season.
3. Nicholas Pooran (Lucknow Super Giants) – ₹21 Crore
Nicholas Pooran matches Kohli’s retention price at ₹21 crore, making him the second joint-highest player on this year’s list. The Lucknow Super Giants decided to retain Pooran over big names like KL Rahul, showing immense trust in his explosive batting ability. Pooran’s big-hitting style and consistency make him a key asset, as Lucknow aims for a strong run in the upcoming IPL season.
4. Ruturaj Gaikwad and Ravindra Jadeja (Chennai Super Kings) – ₹18 Crore Each
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) retained both Ruturaj Gaikwad and Ravindra Jadeja for ₹18 crore apiece. Gaikwad, who has shown consistency at the top, and Jadeja, the all-rounder whose skills extend beyond batting and bowling, have been pillars of the CSK lineup. Retaining both players highlights CSK’s strategy to rely on proven talents who understand the team’s game plan and culture well. CSK’s decision to invest equally in these two players reflects their plans to solidify both their batting order and bowling attack.
5. Sanju Samson and Yashasvi Jaiswal (Rajasthan Royals) – ₹18 Crore Each
Rajasthan Royals retained both their captain Sanju Samson and young sensation Yashasvi Jaiswal for ₹18 crore each. Samson, who has provided stability and leadership as captain, is paired with Jaiswal, a rising star who consistently delivers impactful performances. The duo represents the Royals’ hopes of building a team that blends experience with youth. The retention of both players, however, surprised many, as it came at the cost of releasing the popular leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal.
6. Pat Cummins (Sunrisers Hyderabad) – ₹18 Crore
After leading Sunrisers Hyderabad to the final in the last season, Pat Cummins was retained for ₹18 crore. Cummins is not just one of the best fast bowlers in the world, but his strategic acumen makes him a natural leader. Sunrisers Hyderabad’s decision to retain him at a slightly reduced price from his original ₹20.5 crore bid suggests their focus on a balanced squad while still securing a strong captain.
7. Jasprit Bumrah (Mumbai Indians) – ₹18 Crore
Mumbai Indians, the five-time champions, retained star pacer Jasprit Bumrah for ₹18 crore, making him their most valuable player this season. Known for his unique bowling action and deadly accuracy, Bumrah’s retention was anticipated, as he remains one of the few bowlers capable of changing the game’s course in just an over or two. Mumbai Indians have once again placed their trust in Bumrah to lead their bowling attack, alongside key players like Rohit Sharma.
8. Rashid Khan (Gujarat Titans) – ₹18 Crore
Afghanistan’s Rashid Khan, retained by Gujarat Titans, is one of the best T20 bowlers globally, with his crafty leg spin and ability to bowl in crucial stages. His retention for ₹18 crore highlights his irreplaceable value. Interestingly, Rashid’s retention price exceeds that of Gujarat’s captain Shubman Gill, underscoring the high regard the team holds for his skills. Gujarat Titans expect Rashid to play a significant role in the upcoming season.
IPL 2025 Retention Overview: What’s Next?
The 2025 IPL retention round has set the stage for an exciting season as franchises finalize their lineups. With this year’s list of retained players breaking previous financial records, IPL teams have shown an intensified focus on star power and building competitive rosters. The significant retentions also reflect each team’s confidence in their existing talents rather than relying solely on the auction for fresh additions.
As the 2025 IPL auction nears, teams will focus on filling any gaps and bringing in additional firepower. For fans, the massive spending seen in this year’s retentions indicates just how intense and competitive the upcoming season will be.
