As IPL 2025 nears, team strategies around player retention are front and center. Teams face a unique dilemma with certain uncapped players who fetched massive sums in the 2024 auction. Under IPL’s uncapped player retention rules, retaining these players limits their pay to ₹4 crore, meaning teams that do retain them might see a financial hit, especially if these players can attract higher bids in the open auction. Here’s a look at five uncapped players who could be at a crossroads this retention season.
1. Sameer Rizvi: CSK’s ₹8 Crore Investment at Risk
One of the most talked-about players, Sameer Rizvi, was snapped up by Chennai Super Kings in the 2024 mini-auction for a whopping ₹8.4 crore. The young power-hitter from Meerut impressed with his aggressive playstyle, making him a favorite of none other than MS Dhoni. However, as an uncapped player, if CSK retains Rizvi, he would be restricted to a ₹4 crore salary, losing over half of what he earned last season. The 22-year-old will likely prefer to re-enter the auction, where CSK and other teams could bid freely, potentially raising his earnings closer to his previous auction value.
2. Rahul Tewatia: Gujarat Titans’ All-Rounder Faces ₹5 Crore Dip
Rahul Tewatia, known for his batting heroics and impactful spin in the death overs, has proven to be a match-winner for Gujarat Titans. Bought by the franchise for a significant ₹9 crore, Tewatia’s retention could limit him to a ₹4 crore package under the current rules for uncapped players. Considering his utility to the team, it’s a tricky choice for Gujarat – do they let Tewatia go into the auction and risk a bidding war, or retain him for a lower payout and save on budget but risk player dissatisfaction? Either way, the financial impact for Tewatia if retained is a hefty ₹5 crore.
3. Yash Dayal: RCB’s Bowler Could Face a ₹1 Crore Loss
Yash Dayal, a left-arm seamer who joined Royal Challengers Bangalore in 2024, became one of the IPL’s surprise auction picks at ₹5 crore. Despite not having made his debut for India, Dayal showed potential as a reliable bowler in tight situations. Yet, RCB faces the same dilemma: if they retain him as an uncapped player, Dayal would take home only ₹4 crore, a ₹1 crore cut from his 2024 earnings. Dayal may look forward to an open auction where he can potentially secure his previous salary or even surpass it, while RCB might choose to retain him to keep stability in their bowling lineup.
4. Shubham Dubey: Rajasthan Royals’ ₹1.8 Crore Question
The Rajasthan Royals invested ₹5.8 crore in middle-order batsman Shubham Dubey during the 2024 mini-auction. Dubey, with his finishing abilities, became a vital player in their lineup, especially in pressure situations. However, retaining him would mean his salary drops by ₹1.8 crore to ₹4 crore. Given his importance to the Royals’ batting strategy, the team could retain him despite the reduced payout, ensuring lineup continuity. Yet, Dubey could benefit more if he re-enters the auction and potentially fetches a higher amount.
5. Kumar Kusagra: Delhi Capitals’ ₹3.2 Crore Dilemma
Kumar Kusagra, a wicketkeeper-batsman, attracted interest from Delhi Capitals in the 2024 mini-auction, where he was signed for ₹7.2 crore. Known for his adaptability with the bat, Kusagra has quickly become a useful asset. But being an uncapped player, retaining him for the next season would cap his pay at ₹4 crore, causing a ₹3.2 crore dip. Kusagra’s performance suggests he could command a similar high price if re-entered into the auction, meaning Delhi might prefer releasing him and attempting to rebid if necessary, rather than retain him at a loss.
What’s Next for Teams? The Cost-Benefit Puzzle
The IPL 2025 retention decisions bring a strategic layer, especially with uncapped players who have proven themselves in previous seasons. Releasing these players offers teams a chance to rebid, potentially allowing players to get closer to their market value. However, the risk lies in losing the player to another franchise in the auction. On the other hand, retaining these players at ₹4 crore could provide a budget benefit for the team but may displease the players, who may seek more substantial compensation through the open auction.
As teams finalize their rosters ahead of the October 31 announcement, it will be interesting to see which of these uncapped talents are retained and which are allowed back into the auction pool. These decisions will not only impact team compositions but also reshape auction dynamics as franchises balance financial considerations with player satisfaction.
