IPL 2025

IPL 2025 Retentions: RCB, KKR, DC, LSG, GT - Possible Moves Ahead of the Auction

Oct. 17, 2024

Following the retention announcements of CSK, MI, SRH, PBKS, and RR, the focus now shifts to the remaining five franchises gearing up for the IPL 2025 mega-auction. As the teams prepare to strategize for the next season, Royal Challengers Bangalore, Kolkata Knight Riders, Delhi Capitals, Lucknow Super Giants, and Gujarat Titans will have to carefully consider their retentions to build a strong core. Each team is allowed to retain up to six players, including a maximum of five capped players and two uncapped players, with no restrictions on the number of overseas players. With the auction expected to shake up team compositions, retaining the right players will be crucial for maintaining a competitive edge. Let’s dive into the potential retentions for these five teams ahead of the IPL 2025 mega-auction.

6. Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB)

Possible Retentions Ahead of IPL 2025 Auction:
  • Virat Kohli
  • Mohammed Siraj
  • Will Jacks
  • Glenn Maxwell
  • Cameron Green
  • Yash Dayal*
Royal Challengers Bangalore will look to retain their stalwart and team icon Virat Kohli, IPL’s all-time leading run-scorer, who remains the heartbeat of the franchise. In addition, Australian all-rounders Glenn Maxwell and Cameron Green are vital to RCB’s success, with Green providing balance in both batting and bowling. England’s Will Jacks, who impressed with his all-round performance in IPL 2024, is also likely to secure a spot. In the bowling department, Mohammed Siraj, a retained player from the previous mega auction, is a key pillar. Among the uncapped players, left-arm pacer Yash Dayal could continue with the franchise after his impressive IPL debut, providing them with a solid pace-bowling option.

Key Decisions Ahead:

RCB’s top-order strength with Kohli and Jacks is undeniable, but the challenge lies in balancing their overseas talent with Indian stars. Siraj's retention is a given, but the team might consider nurturing Yash Dayal for the future. Retaining a balanced core of all-rounders like Maxwell and Green will be crucial to their 2025 campaign.

7. Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)

Possible Retentions Ahead of IPL 2025 Auction:
  • Shreyas Iyer
  • Rinku Singh
  • Phil Salt
  • Sunil Narine
  • Mitchell Starc
  • Harshit Rana*
Kolkata Knight Riders, the reigning champions of IPL 2024, are expected to retain their title-winning captain, Shreyas Iyer. Alongside him, middle-order sensation Rinku Singh has become indispensable with his game-changing performances. Phil Salt, the aggressive wicketkeeper-batter, and all-rounder Sunil Narine, a KKR veteran, add international experience. Mitchell Starc, the franchise’s record signing in 2024, is another crucial player KKR will likely retain despite his inconsistent form. Harshit Rana, an emerging Indian pacer, has been vital for KKR, and his future with the franchise seems promising as he fills an uncapped retention spot.

Key Decisions Ahead:

KKR will need to decide how much they rely on Starc, given his injury-prone nature. While Shreyas Iyer and Rinku Singh are locks for retention, the retention of Narine, nearing the twilight of his career, must be weighed carefully. KKR’s success in retaining Harshit Rana will also show their focus on developing young talent.

8. Delhi Capitals (DC)

Possible Retentions Ahead of IPL 2025 Auction:
  • Rishabh Pant
  • Mitchell Marsh
  • Harry Brook
  • Jake Fraser-McGurk
  • Axar Patel
  • Abhishek Porel*
Delhi Capitals had an average 2024 campaign, but Rishabh Pant remains their talisman, with his leadership and explosive batting warranting retention. Axar Patel, a standout performer in recent seasons, will continue to provide stability in both batting and bowling. Despite injury setbacks, Mitchell Marsh is likely to remain in DC’s plans for his match-winning potential, while Englishman Harry Brook, who missed the last season, could be a valuable addition if retained. Among uncapped players, Jake Fraser-McGurk, with his impressive top-order performances, and Abhishek Porel, who displayed promise as a floater, may continue to grow under the DC umbrella.

Key Decisions Ahead:

DC's main challenge will be evaluating the long-term fitness of Pant and Marsh. Harry Brook’s explosive potential could offset his lack of participation in 2024, while Axar Patel’s reliability with both bat and ball makes him a key player. DC must also consider whether Abishek Porel is ready to take on bigger responsibilities.

9. Lucknow Super Giants (LSG)

Possible Retentions Ahead of IPL 2025 Auction:
  • KL Rahul
  • Quinton de Kock
  • Nicholas Pooran
  • Ravi Bishnoi
  • Marcus Stoinis
  • Mayank Yadav*
Lucknow Super Giants will need to make some bold decisions after a disappointing 2024 season. While reports suggest KL Rahul may step down as captain, his batting skills make him a retention candidate. Quinton de Kock and Nicholas Pooran bring firepower to the top order, and LSG would likely hold onto both. Leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi has been consistent and reliable, making him an obvious retention, while Marcus Stoinis’ all-round capabilities add versatility. Paceman Mayank Yadav, fresh off his maiden India call-up, could round out LSG’s uncapped player retention, further enhancing their pace attack.

Key Decisions Ahead:

LSG’s biggest decision revolves around KL Rahul’s role. If he is relieved of captaincy, they’ll need to identify a new leader while preserving his batting form. The retention of Stoinis and de Kock maintains a strong all-rounder and wicketkeeping core. With Pooran’s recent form, LSG’s focus on their overseas contingent will be key, while they continue to develop Mayank Yadav.

10. Gujarat Titans (GT)

Possible Retentions Ahead of IPL 2025 Auction:
  • Shubman Gill
  • Rashid Khan
  • David Miller
  • Sai Sudharsan
  • Mohammed Shami
  • Rahul Tewatia*
Gujarat Titans may have finished eighth in IPL 2024, but the franchise is known for consistency. Shubman Gill, now the team's captain, is a guaranteed retention after leading the side and performing admirably as an opener. Sai Sudharsan, GT’s highest run-scorer of the season, will likely retain his spot for stabilizing the top order. Match-winners Rashid Khan and David Miller are crucial for GT’s middle order and bowling prowess. Mohammed Shami’s retention will depend on his recovery from injuries, while all-rounder Rahul Tewatia, known for his game-changing lower-order cameos, could fill the uncapped slot.

Key Decisions Ahead:

GT must weigh Shami’s injury concerns, but his experience across formats makes him valuable. Gill’s leadership and form are non-negotiable, and Miller’s finishing abilities offer consistency in the middle-order. GT will look to balance youth and experience, especially with exciting uncapped players like Sai Sudharsan and Rahul Tewatia.

Conclusion

With the mega auction fast approaching, all five teams face critical decisions that could shape their future campaigns. Each squad has to balance their core players, local talent, and international stars in a way that maximizes their strengths for IPL 2025. Stay tuned for more updates as the auction nears and retention lists become final.