Thu Oct 31 05:09:16 UTC 2024: ## IPL 2025: Teams Finalize Their Retention Players Ahead of Mega Auction

**New Delhi, October 31st** – With Diwali festivities in full swing, the Indian Premier League (IPL) is set to add another spark of excitement as all 10 franchises are expected to release their retained player lists today. This marks a significant step towards the mega auction, anticipated to take place later this year, in either November or December.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has implemented new rules regarding retention, allowing franchises to retain a maximum of 6 players. Teams opting to retain fewer than 6 players will have the opportunity to utilize the ‘Right to Match’ card during the auction.

Speculations have already begun swirling about the fate of certain star players. Reports suggest that Gujarat Titans (GT) might release pacer Mohammed Shami, while Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) captain KL Rahul could be included in the auction pool.

**Here’s a glimpse into the potential retention plans of each franchise:**

* **Mumbai Indians (MI):** 5-time champions MI are likely to retain captain Hardik Pandya, former captain Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav, and Jasprit Bumrah. They might also use the ‘Right to Match’ card for wicketkeeper-batsman Ishan Kishan and Tilak Verma.

* **Chennai Super Kings (CSK):** CSK, led by MS Dhoni, has also clinched 5 IPL titles. They are likely to retain captain Ruturaj Gaikwad, former captain MS Dhoni, Ravindra Jadeja, either Shivam Dube or Ravisrinivasan Sai Kishore, and Matheesha Pathirana. Dhoni’s participation remains uncertain, with his decision pending.

* **Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR):** 3-time champions KKR could face a tough decision regarding their retention list. Reports suggest they might release captain Shreyas Iyer. However, they are likely to retain Andre Russell, Sunil Narine, Rinku Singh, and Mitchell Starc, while retaining Harshit Rana as an uncapped player.

* **Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH):** SRH might retain captain Pat Cummins, Heinrich Klassen, and Abhishek Sharma. While Trevor Head and Nitish Kumar Reddy are potential candidates for the ‘Right to Match’ card.

* **Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB):** RCB, yet to win an IPL title, is looking to rebuild their squad. They are expected to retain former captain Virat Kohli, Mohammed Siraj, and Glenn Maxwell. The rest of the team, including captain Faf du Plessis, Cameron Green, Tom Curran, Rajat Patidar, and Yash Dayal, could be released.

* **Rajasthan Royals (RR):** RR’s retention strategy could involve retaining captain Sanju Samson, Jos Buttler, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Dhruv Jurel, and Riyan Parag. They might use the ‘Right to Match’ card for either Jurel or Parag while releasing Avesh Khan, Shimron Hetmyer, Trent Boult, and Rovman Powell.

* **Gujarat Titans (GT):** GT, the reigning champions, might retain captain Shubman Gill, Rashid Khan, and Mohammed Shami. Players like Umesh Yadav, Kane Williamson, Wriddhiman Saha, Noor Ahmad, and David Miller could be released. They might use the ‘Right to Match’ card for Sai Sudarshan and Rahul Tewatia.

* **Delhi Capitals (DC):** DC is likely to retain Rishabh Pant, Kuldeep Yadav, and Axar Patel, which could indicate Pant will captain the team. Their foreign player retention list could include Australian young batsman, Jake Fraser-McGurk.

* **Lucknow Super Giants (LSG):** LSG could face a difficult decision regarding captain KL Rahul’s future. They might opt for Nicholas Pooran as their new captain. LSG’s retention list might include Pooran, Ravi Bishnoi, and Mayank Agarwal. They could also retain vice-captain Krunal Pandya and Ayush Badoni.

* **Punjab Kings (PBKS):** PBKS might release captain Shikhar Dhawan. Their retention list could feature fast bowler Arshdeep Singh, with Shashank Singh and Ashutosh Sharma being potential candidates for retention. Players like Sam Curran, Harshal Patel, Jonny Bairstow, Chris Woakes, Sikandar Raza, Jitesh Sharma, Kagiso Rabada, and Liam Livingstone might be released.

The official retention lists are expected to be released soon, revealing the final picture of each team’s squad composition for the 2025 IPL season. Fans eagerly await the mega auction, which promises to be a thrilling event as franchises compete for the best talent in the game.

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