The IPL 2025 player retention list has given fans an exciting preview of the strategies that franchises are setting for the upcoming season. Here’s a look at how some top teams have structured their squads by retaining key players who will form the backbone of their line-ups:
1. Chennai Super Kings (CSK) - Staying true to their philosophy of continuity, CSK has retained stalwarts like MS Dhoni, if he continues, along with Ruturaj Gaikwad and Ravindra Jadeja. The young pace sensation Matheesha Pathirana, often seen as a Malinga successor, will also return, keeping CSK’s core consistent and balanced.
2. Mumbai Indians (MI) - The five-time champions have retained captain Rohit Sharma, along with pace ace Jasprit Bumrah and explosive batsman Suryakumar Yadav. The team continues to value experience, and star all-rounder Kieron Pollard has been retained as well, promising stability and firepower for another title push.
3. Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) - RCB, aiming to clinch their first title, has held onto icons like Virat Kohli and Glenn Maxwell. Alongside them, Harshal Patel, whose skill in death-over bowling has been crucial, and young opener Devdutt Padikkal add depth to the squad, making RCB a formidable unit.
4. Delhi Capitals (DC) - Led by dynamic wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant, DC has retained power-hitter Prithvi Shaw and fast bowler Anrich Nortje. Axar Patel and Shimron Hetmyer also stay on, ensuring DC has a well-rounded team with both batting strength and bowling options.
5. Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) - Known for their strong bowling unit, SRH has held onto Kane Williamson, spinner Rashid Khan, and pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar, while T Natarajan remains a key part of their attack. These players are essential for SRH’s strategy of building around a solid bowling line-up.
With a combination of seasoned veterans and emerging talents, each team’s retention strategy reflects their style of play and ambitions for IPL 2025. The forthcoming auction is bound to add further excitement as teams finalize their squads.