As the IPL 2025 mega auction approaches, every franchise faces tough decisions regarding which players to retain. A maximum of six players can be kept by each team, including five capped players and two uncapped ones. With October 31 being the deadline to announce the retention lists, speculation has run rampant.

Here’s a prediction of what the final retention lists might look like based on current performances, team needs, and financial considerations.

IPL 2025: Predicted Retention List for All Teams Ahead of Mega Auction

Mumbai Indians’ Predicted Retention List

Mumbai Indians, traditionally one of the most dominant franchises in IPL history, face a major decision. Rohit Sharma, their longtime captain and face of the franchise, is likely to part ways with the team, following his removal as captain in 2024. However, MI still boasts immense talent, including Hardik Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah, and Suryakumar Yadav.

Predicted Retained Players:

• Hardik Pandya (Rs 18 crore)
• Jasprit Bumrah (Rs 14 crore)
• Tilak Varma (Rs 11 crore)
• Suryakumar Yadav (Rs 18 crore)
• Naman Dhir (Rs 4 crore, uncapped)
• Akash Madhwal (Rs 4 crore, uncapped)

Purse Remaining: Rs 51 crore

Royal Challengers Bangalore’s Predicted Retention List

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) have always been a star-studded team but are yet to claim an IPL trophy. With stalwarts like Virat Kohli and Faf du Plessis, they may continue to build around these experienced players, but several younger stars like Yash Dayal could also be on the radar.

Predicted Retained Players:

• Virat Kohli (Rs 18 crore)
• Faf du Plessis (Rs 14 crore)
• Mohammed Siraj (Rs 11 crore)
• Yash Dayal (Rs 4 crore, uncapped)
• Anuj Rawat (Rs 4 crore, uncapped)
• RTM

Purse Remaining: Rs 69 crore

Chennai Super Kings’ Predicted Retention List

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are expected to stick with their core players. While Ruturaj Gaikwad and Ravindra Jadeja are sure retentions, the return of MS Dhoni as a retained player, albeit in an uncapped slot, will likely send shockwaves through the fanbase. Matheesha Pathirana, one of the top bowlers of IPL 2024, also makes the cut.

Predicted Retained Players:

• Ruturaj Gaikwad (Rs 18 crore)
• Matheesha Pathirana (Rs 14 crore)
• Rachin Ravindra (Rs 11 crore)
• Ravindra Jadeja (Rs 18 crore)
• MS Dhoni (Rs 4 crore, uncapped)
• RTM

Purse Remaining: Rs 51 crore

Kolkata Knight Riders’ Predicted Retention List

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) face significant restructuring ahead of IPL 2025. With players like Nitish Rana, Phil Salt, and Varun Chakaravarthy reportedly not being retained, the team will likely focus on building around Shreyas Iyer, Andre Russell, and Sunil Narine.

Predicted Retained Players:

• Shreyas Iyer (Rs 18 crore)
• Sunil Narine (Rs 14 crore)
• Rinku Singh (Rs 11 crore)
• Andre Russell (Rs 18 crore)
• Harshit Rana (Rs 4 crore, uncapped)
• Angkrish Raghuvanshi (Rs 4 crore, uncapped)

Purse Remaining: Rs 55 crore

Rajasthan Royals’ Predicted Retention List

Rajasthan Royals (RR) have developed a solid core of players, but with the likes of Trent Boult and Shimron Hetmyer expected to miss out, the focus will remain on established names like Sanju Samson and Jos Buttler, along with emerging stars like Yashasvi Jaiswal.

Predicted Retained Players:

• Sanju Samson (Rs 18 crore)
• Jos Buttler (Rs 14 crore)
• Riyan Parag (Rs 11 crore)
• Yashasvi Jaiswal (Rs 18 crore)
• Sandeep Sharma (Rs 4 crore, uncapped)
• RTM

Purse Remaining: Rs 55 crore

Lucknow Super Giants’ Predicted Retention List

With rumours swirling that KL Rahul won’t be retained, Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) will likely turn to other stars. Nicholas Pooran, who could also take on the captaincy role, will be a key retention. Players like Marcus Stoinis and Mayank Yadav are expected to remain integral to their plans.

Predicted Retained Players:

• Nicholas Pooran (Rs 18 crore)
• Marcus Stoinis (Rs 14 crore)
• Mayank Yadav (Rs 11 crore)
• Ayush Badoni (Rs 4 crore, uncapped)
• Mohsin Khan (Rs 4 crore, uncapped)
• RTM

Purse Remaining: Rs 69 crore

Punjab Kings’ Predicted Retention List

Punjab Kings will likely retain their key players, including Sam Curran and Arshdeep Singh. With a limited pool of star players, they may struggle to balance their budget, but names like Kagiso Rabada and Prabhsimran Singh are expected to stay.

Predicted Retained Players:

• Arshdeep Singh (Rs 18 crore)
• Sam Curran (Rs 14 crore)
• Kagiso Rabada (Rs 11 crore)
• Ashutosh Sharma (Rs 4 crore, uncapped)
• Prabhsimran Singh (Rs 4 crore, uncapped)
• RTM

Purse Remaining: Rs 69 crore

Delhi Capitals’ Predicted Retention List

The biggest question for Delhi Capitals is whether Rishabh Pant stays or goes. However, with stalwarts like Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav almost certain to stay, Delhi will likely build around its bowling prowess while focusing on some uncapped talents.

Predicted Retained Players:

• Rishabh Pant (Rs 18 crore)
• Axar Patel (Rs 14 crore)
• Kuldeep Yadav (Rs 11 crore)
• Rasikh Salam Dar (Rs 4 crore, uncapped)
• Abhishek Porel (Rs 4 crore, uncapped)
• RTM

Purse Remaining: Rs 69 crore

Sunrisers Hyderabad’s Predicted Retention List

Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) may take bold decisions by parting ways with Heinrich Klaasen, but they are expected to build around Pat Cummins and Travis Head, aiming to bolster their top-order strength.

Predicted Retained Players:

• Pat Cummins (Rs 18 crore)
• Heinrich Klaasen (Rs 14 crore)
• Nitish Kumar Reddy (Rs 11 crore)
• Travis Head (Rs 18 crore)
• Abhishek Sharma (Rs 14 crore)
• RTM

Purse Remaining: Rs 45 crore

Gujarat Titans’ Predicted Retention List

Gujarat Titans will retain their core, but they face a dilemma between retaining Mohammed Shami and David Miller. Both players are essential, but their choice will significantly impact their purse going into the auction.

Predicted Retained Players:

• Shubman Gill (Rs 18 crore)
• Mohammed Shami/David Miller (Rs 14 crore)
• Sai Sudharsan (Rs 11 crore)
• Rashid Khan (Rs 18 crore)
• Rahul Tewatia (Rs 4 crore, uncapped)
• Mohit Sharma (Rs 4 crore, uncapped)

Purse Remaining: Rs 51 crore

Each team’s approach to IPL 2025 retention will shape the upcoming season’s auction strategies. With the mega auction just around the corner, franchises are sure to make bold moves to ensure they have the strongest squads for IPL 2025.

Read More: Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson Voted Best Senegalese Player Abroad for 2023/2024 Season