The buzz around the IPL 2025 mega auction is already building, and two IPL legends, Suresh Raina and Ambati Rayudu, have shared their views on player retention. Both believe that retaining a solid core of players will significantly improve a team’s chances of winning. With the previous mega auction in 2022 allowing each team to keep four players, there is now debate over how many players should be retained this time around.
Retaining Core Players is Key to Success, Say Raina and Rayudu
Ambati Rayudu, who has been a key player for Chennai Super Kings, feels that teams should be able to retain more players. He explained that building a strong core group is crucial for maintaining team culture and ensuring success. He said, “Retention should be high because teams invest heavily in their players, and too much change can disrupt team dynamics.”
Suresh Raina, a veteran of the league, echoed Rayudu’s sentiment. Raina, also known as Mr. IPL, stated that he agrees with Rayudu “100 percent.” He pointed out that while the IPL Governing Council will make the final decision, keeping the core group intact would be beneficial for all teams.
Different Opinions on the Number of Players to Retain
The main discussion revolves around how many players teams should be allowed to retain. While some suggest that retaining eight players would be ideal, others are comfortable with retaining four or five. As of now, the IPL Governing Council has not made an official decision on this matter.
Raina and Rayudu’s IPL Careers
Both Raina and Rayudu have enjoyed long and successful IPL careers. Raina played for CSK from 2008 to 2021, scoring 5528 runs in 205 matches at a strike rate of 136, including one century and 39 half-centuries. Rayudu, on the other hand, played 204 matches, scoring 4348 runs with a strike rate of 127, also registering one century and 22 half-centuries.
Both veterans also believe that Shubman Gill could be a future captain for India in T20s, seeing his potential to lead the team.
