The excitement for the 2025 IPL season continues to build as teams narrow down their player retention lists, showcasing a mix of new talent and iconic players.
The IPL Governing Council has set October 31 as the deadline for franchises to submit their retained player lists. As the franchises fine-tune their strategies, big names like MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma are likely to continue with their home teams, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Mumbai Indians (MI), respectively.
Over a month after the IPL Governing Council unveiled player regulations for the 2025-27 cycle, the BCCI granted each team the flexibility to retain up to six players through either direct retention or the Right to Match (RTM) card. Teams can retain a maximum of five capped players, both Indian and overseas, while also keeping up to two uncapped players. This structure allows franchises to build a strong, balanced core while maintaining competitive player movement for the upcoming seasons.
Here’s a closer look at each franchise’s probable retention choices ahead of the next season.
Gujarat Titans
The defending champions aim to retain a core group led by young stars:
- Shubman Gill
- Rashid Khan
- Sai Sudarshan
- Shahrukh Khan
- Rahul Tewatia (likely using the Right to Match (RTM) option)
Lucknow Super Giants
In a surprising development, Lucknow Super Giants might release their captain, KL Rahul, allowing him to enter the auction pool. Retained stars include:
- Nicholas Pooran
- Mayank Yadav
- Ayush Badoni
- Ravi Bishnoi (RTM)
Mumbai Indians
Mumbai Indians, the most successful IPL team, look to retain a formidable lineup:
- Rohit Sharma
- Hardik Pandya
- Jasprit Bumrah
- Suryakumar Yadav
- Tilak Varma
Chennai Super Kings
For CSK, MS Dhoni‘s potential continuation as an uncapped player is an exciting prospect. Other probable retentions are:
- Ruturaj Gaikwad
- Ravindra Jadeja
- Rachin Ravindra (possibly)
- Matheesha Pathirana
Sunrisers Hyderabad
Sunrisers Hyderabad aims to bring an international flair to their lineup, with potential retentions such as:
- Pat Cummins
- Heinrich Klaasen
- Abhishek Sharma
- Travis Head
- Abdul Samad
Royal Challengers Bangalore
Royal Challengers Bangalore will likely retain the stalwart Virat Kohli alongside:
- Mohammed Siraj
- Yash Dayal (conditional)
Delhi Capitals
Delhi Capitals are in a dilemma with Rishabh Pant, who reportedly wants to explore the auction pool. However, other core players might include:
- Kuldeep Yadav
- Axar Patel
Kolkata Knight Riders
KKR’s priority list includes:
- Sunil Narine
- Rahmanullah Gurbaz
- Rinku Singh
- Harshit Rana
Negotiations with Shreyas Iyer are ongoing as KKR management assesses his position in the lineup.
Punjab Kings
Punjab Kings may opt for the RTM strategy rather than outright retention, with Arshdeep Singh as a probable standout.
Rajasthan Royals
Rajasthan Royals have injury concerns around Jos Buttler, making his retention uncertain. Likely retentions include:
- Sanju Samson
- Yashasvi Jaiswal
- Riyan Parag