The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 is currently in full swing, and the playoff race is heating up. Gujarat Titans, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Punjab Kings, and Mumbai Indians are leading the charge, with all four teams among the frontrunners to qualify for the playoffs. Meanwhile, Rajasthan Royals, Chennai Super Kings, and Sunrisers Hyderabad have already been knocked out of contention.
While fans are closely following each match and speculating about who will make it to the final in Kolkata on May 25, this blog takes a look back at the retention predictions made before the IPL 2025 auction. At that time, franchises had to make strategic decisions under updated retention rules, aiming to strike the right balance within their squad budgets.
Now that the league stage is nearing its conclusion, it’s a good time to reflect on how accurate those predictions were and how the retained players have performed so far this season.
IPL 2025 Team-Wise Predicted Retentions Before Auction
As the IPL 2025 auction was expected back then, we looked at the cricketers each franchise might consider retaining based on their recent performances and overall value to the team. The following section reflects the pre-auction predictions based on the retention and RTM rules.
1. Chennai Super Kings
Here is the full retention of Chennai Super Kings –
| Retained Players | Money Spent on Retention |
|---|---|
| Ruturaj Gaikwad | ₹18 Cr |
| Ravindra Jadeja | ₹18 Cr |
| Matheesha Pathirana | ₹13 Cr |
| Shivam Dube | ₹12 Cr |
| MS Dhoni | ₹4 Cr |
The defending five-time IPL champions, Chennai Super Kings, are likely to build their retention in an auction as their contribution to the team.
MS Dhoni remains a crucial leader for the team and could be retained as an uncapped player due to his lack of recent international appearances. Ruturaj Gaikwad, a consistent performer at the top of the order, is a strong candidate for retention. All-rounder Ravindra Jadeja’s value with both bat and ball makes him indispensable.
The young pace sensation Matheesha Pathirana and the explosive Shivam Dube could round out CSK’s retention list, providing a mix of youth and experience.
Money Remaining for Auction: INR 55 Cr
2. Royal Challengers Bengaluru
Here is the full retention of Royal Challengers Bengaluru –
| Retained Players | Money Spent on Retention |
|---|---|
| Virat Kohli | ₹21 Cr |
| Rajat Patidar | ₹11 Cr |
| Yash Dayal | ₹5 Cr |
Virat Kohli, the star batsman of Royal Challengers Bengaluru, can be in the top 1 at the IPL 2025 auction. Even though he stepped down as captain, Kohli’s batting skills and huge popularity make him an obvious choice to stay with the team.
Mohammed Siraj, who has become a dependable bowler in the death overs, is another player RCB would want to retain. The explosive duo of Glenn Maxwell and Cameron Green could provide the firepower in the middle order.
Will Jacks, who was promising last season, might also be in the auction choice to boost the batting. For the uncapped player option, RCB might choose to invest in young pacer Yash Dayal to build for the future.
Money Remaining for Auction: INR 83 Cr
3. Mumbai Indians
Here is the full retention of Mumbai Indians –
| Retained Players | Money Spent on Retention |
|---|---|
| Jasprit Bumrah | ₹18 Cr |
| Suryakumar Yadav | ₹16.35 Cr |
| Hardik Pandya | ₹16.35 Cr |
| Rohit Sharma | ₹16.30 Cr |
| Tilak Varma | ₹8 Cr |
Mumbai Indians, the five-time IPL winner, will likely retain their core group of players in the 2025 Indian Premier League. Hardik Pandya, who took over the reins from Rohit Sharma, is expected to be the first name on the retention list. He was one of the all-rounder players in IPL history.
Suryakumar Yadav and Rohit Sharma can be the perfect combo choice for franchises of the batting lineup. Jasprit Bumrah, one of the best fast bowlers in the world, is also expected to be retained.
To secure the team’s future, young batsman Tilak Varma, who has shown great promise, could be kept. For their uncapped player slot, they might pick rising talent Anshul Kamboj. Remember, along with Hardik Pandya, there were 9 of the best all-round players in IPL history.
Money Remaining for Auction: INR 45 Cr
4. Sunrisers Hyderabad
Here is the full retention of Sunrisers Hyderabad –
| Retained Players | Money Spent on Retention |
|---|---|
| Heinrich Klaasen | ₹23 Cr |
| Pat Cummins | ₹18 Cr |
| Travis Head | ₹14 Cr |
| Abhishek Sharma | ₹14 Cr |
| Nitish Reddy | ₹6 Cr |
Sunrisers Hyderabad might look to keep their captain Pat Cummins, especially after he led Australia to World Cup success. Travis Head, who has been in excellent form recently, could also be a key player for them.
Abhishek Sharma, a young Indian opener, has shown an outstanding performance and could bring stability to their batting. Heinrich Klaasen’s powerful middle-order batting makes him a valuable player.
T. Natarajan might be retained for his ability to bowl well on the field. The uncapped player slot could go to Nitish Kumar Reddy, a talented all-rounder from domestic cricket.
Money Remaining for Auction: INR 45 Cr
5. Lucknow Super Giants
Here is the full retention of Lucknow Super Giants –
| Retained Players | Money Spent on Retention |
|---|---|
| Nicholas Pooran | ₹21 Cr |
| Ravi Bishnoi | ₹11 Cr |
| Mayank Yadav | ₹11 Cr |
| Mohsin Khan | ₹4 Cr |
| Ayush Badoni | ₹4 Cr |
Lucknow Super Giants can focus on building their team with captain KL Rahul first, whose leadership and batting have been key for the franchise. Nicholas Pooran could also be retained for his ability to win matches in the middle order.
Spinner Ravi Bishnoi has proven to be dependable, making him a strong choice for retention. Quinton de Kock’s experience as an opener adds value to the team.
Marcus Stoinis, an all-rounder, helps balance the squad and might be retained as well. For the uncapped player slot, young pace bowler Mayank Yadav, who has performed well in domestic cricket, could be chosen.
Money Remaining for Auction: INR 69 Cr
6. Gujarat Titans
Here is the full retention of Gujarat Titans –
| Retained Players | Money Spent on Retention |
|---|---|
| Rashid Khan | ₹18 Cr |
| Shubhman Gill | ₹16.50 Cr |
| Sai Sudharsan | ₹8.50 Cr |
| Rahul Tewatia | ₹4 Cr |
| Shahrukh Khan | ₹4 Cr |
Gujarat Titans, the IPL 2022 champions, might retain key players for IPL 2025. Their captain, Shubman Gill, has been in excellent form across different formats and is expected to stay and get chosen in the auction.
Rashid Khan, one of the top T20 spinners globally, is another obvious choice for retention. David Miller, known for his strong finishing skills, remains a valuable player in the middle order. Young Indian talent Sai Sudharsan has shown great potential and could be retained.
Mohammed Shami is the team’s essential player, with his experience and ability to bowl well with the new ball. The uncapped player slot might go to all-rounder Rahul Tewatia, who has impressed with his finishing abilities.
Money Remaining for Auction: INR 69 Cr
7. Kolkata Knight Riders
Here is the full retention of Kolkata Knight Riders –
| Retained Players | Money Spent on Retention |
|---|---|
| Rinku Singh | ₹13 Cr |
| Varun Chakaravarthy | ₹12 Cr |
| Sunil Narine | ₹12 Cr |
| Andre Russell | ₹12 Cr |
| Harshit Rana | ₹4 Cr |
| Ramandeep Singh | ₹4 Cr |
Kolkata Knight Riders might start retention with captain Shreyas Iyer, whose leadership has been crucial for the team. Rinku Singh, a fan favorite known for his impressive finishing skills, is also expected to be retained.
Sunil Narine, with his all-round abilities, remains a valuable player for KKR. The team might keep Mitchell Starc as the lead in the fast-bowling attack. Wicketkeeper-batsman Phil Salt could be retained for his aggressive style at the top of the order.
Lastly, young pacer Harshit Rana, who has shown promising abilities in domestic cricket, might take the uncapped player slot.
Money Remaining for Auction: INR 51 Cr
8. Rajasthan Royals
Here is the full retention of Rajasthan Royals –
| Retained Players | Money Spent on Retention |
|---|---|
| Sanju Samson | ₹18 Cr |
| Yashasvi Jaiswal | ₹18 Cr |
| Riyan Parag | ₹14 Cr |
| Dhruv Jurel | ₹14 cr |
| Shimron Hetmyer | ₹11 Cr |
| Sandeep Sharma | ₹4 Cr |
Rajasthan Royals are expected to keep their captain, Sanju Samson, who has consistently performed well for the team. They will likely also retain Jos Buttler, known as one of the best T20 batsmen globally.
Young opener Yashasvi Jaiswal, who had a great season, might be retained for future growth. Trent Boult is valuable for his skills with the new ball, and Yuzvendra Chahal’s spinning ability is key for the team’s bowling.
The uncapped player spot might go to Sandeep Sharma, a dependable performer in the IPL. This is a possibility; franchises’ decisions can change over time.
Money Remaining for Auction: INR 41 Cr
9. Delhi Capitals
Here is the full retention of Delhi Capitals –
| Retained Players | Money Spent on Retention |
|---|---|
| Axar Patel | ₹16.50 Cr |
| Kuldeep Yadav | ₹13.25 Cr |
| Tristan Stubbs | ₹10 Cr |
| Abishek Porel | ₹4 Cr |
Delhi Capitals may focus their retention strategy around their star wicketkeeper-batsman, Rishabh Pant, as long as he recovers fully from his injuries.
All-rounder Axar Patel has been a reliable performer and will likely remain on the team. The explosive Mitchell Marsh adds strength to the lineup and can be retained. Despite having some struggles recently, young opener Prithvi Shaw might be given another chance.
Jake Fraser-McGurk, who showed promise last season, could also be the choice in the auction. For the uncapped player slot, wicketkeeper-batsman Abishek Porel, who has impressed in domestic cricket, is a strong candidate for retention.
Money Remaining for Auction: INR 73 Cr
10. Punjab Kings
Here is the full retention of Punjab Kings –
| Retained Players | Money Spent on Retention |
|---|---|
| Shashank Singh | ₹5.50 Cr |
| Prabhsimran Singh | ₹4 Cr |
The Punjab Kings have the possibility to keep some key players for the IPL 2025 season. They might choose to retain Arshdeep Singh, who has been reliable in the final overs of matches.
Liam Livingstone, known for his explosive batting and all-round skills, could also stay with the team. Kagiso Rabada’s strong pace bowling makes him an important player for Punjab.
They might retain young opener Prabhsimran Singh, who had a great season, as well as Matthew Short, who is also an all-rounder. For the uncapped player spot, they could go for Ashutosh Sharma, who has shown promise in domestic cricket.
Money Remaining for Auction: INR 110.5 Cr
IPL 2025 Auction Date: When Was It Held?
The IPL 2025 mega auction was held in the third or fourth week of November 2024. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had announced auction details a few months in advance, giving teams enough time to prepare.
As expected, the auction took place in one of the major Indian cities, and all franchises finalized their squads ahead of the new season. The confirmed retention list is already out and being followed by all teams in IPL 2025.
Conclusion: IPL 2025 Retention Predictions vs Reality
With the IPL 2025 auction already completed and the tournament in progress, these pre-auction retention predictions serve as a reflection of how teams were planning their strategies. While big names like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and MS Dhoni were rightly expected to be retained, some surprises did emerge during the actual auction.
This article was initially written to predict the possible retention lists ahead of the auction and has now been updated to clarify that the actual confirmed list is available in our other blog. For the latest and official IPL 2025 team lists, please refer to our dedicated post.
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