The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 the mega-auction is expected to be held in November this year and the franchises have already made their mark by retaining key players. On Thursday (Oct. 31), teams finalized their retention, showing strategic moves and significant spending to secure the bulk of their rosters.
Structured storage strategies and remarkable storage
While most franchises focus on maintaining sustainability, Kings of Punjab (PBKS) showed a unique approach by keeping only two players. This conservative tactic left them with an auction purse of INR 110.5 million, the largest among all teams, and hinted at aggressive plans for the upcoming auction. In contrast, Rajasthan Royals (RR) It chose to retain six key players, balancing its retention strategy with the remaining auction purse of INR 41 crore. The IPL governing body has reportedly set the retention limits at INR 18 crore, INR 14 crore and INR 11 crore. However, franchises have shown flexibility, keeping players at amounts adjusted to their perceived value on the field. This strategy allowed teams to retain critical assets while keeping budget constraints in mind.
IPL 2025: Top 10 Most Expensive Player Retention Rankings
1. Heinrich Klaasen
Profile: Heinrich Klaasen, SunRisers Hyderabad’s marquee retainer set the record as the most expensive retained player at INR 23 crore. Known for his powerful performances, Klaasen’s impact in the 2024 IPL was instrumental in taking SRH to the final.
Performance Differences:
- Matches Played: 35
- Total Runs: 168.31 around 1000 at a remarkable strike rate
- 2024 Season Stats: Scored 479 runs in 16 innings at a blistering strike rate of 171.07, including four half-centuries and a hundred.
Why is it kept at INR 23 Crore? Klaasen’s match-winning potential, especially under pressure, cements his value to SRH. His ability to accelerate through the middle and finish plays made him indispensable. His retention ensures that SRH maintain a formidable batting line-up capable of taking on any opposition.
2. Virat Kohli
Profile: Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) they kept their icons for a long time, Virat KohliAt INR 21 crore, making him the highest-priced Indian player. Although Kohli retired after the T20 internationalsIndia‘s victory, legacy and form in the T20 World Cup in 2024 puts him at the heart of RCB’s plans.
Performance Differences:
- RCB Duration: Covers entire IPL career.
- Leadership Perspectives: Given Kohli’s deep association with RCB and his enduring fan support, speculation is rife that Kohli will take back the captaincy in 2025.
Why is it kept at INR 21 Crore? RCB values Kohli’s consistency, experience and ability to inspire both on and off the field. His retention strengthens RCB’s core batting unit and strengthens their brand identity, making him an invaluable asset and not just a player.
3. Nicholas Pooran
Profile: With the departure of their former captains KL Rahul, Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) they placed their bets Nicholas Poorankeeping it at INR 21 crore. Pooran, a strong wicketkeeper for West Indies, has been consistently putting up explosive performances.
Performance Differences:
- Matches Played: 76
- Runs Goal: 1769 at an impressive strike rate of 162.29
- 2024 Season Stats: Second highest run scorer for LSG with 499 runs including 35 fours and 36 sixes.
Why is it kept at INR 1 Crore? Pura’s powerful hitting and finishing abilities make him a game changer. LSG’s decision to invest heavily in him highlights his potential to lead their batting department, especially in high-stakes moments.
Also READ: Here is the purse left with each team for the IPL 2025 mega auction
4. Jasprit Bumrah
Profile: Mumbai Indians (MI) they maintained their speed jasprit bumrah 18 million with Rs. Having been with MI for over a decade, Bumrah’s influence extends beyond the wickets, instilling confidence and aggression in the bowling attack.
Performance Differences:
- Matches Played: 133
- The doors were taken: 165, which ranks him ninth in IPL history.
Why is it kept at INR 18 Crore? Bumrah’s deadly accuracy and ability to deliver under pressure make him indispensable. He remains MI’s lynchpin in scoring defense, especially at the death, where his skills are unmatched.
5. Ruturaj Gaikwad and Ravindra Jadeja
Profiles:
- Ruturaj Gaikwad: Captain of CSK since 2024, Gaikwad has steadily become a consistent scorer and a capable leader.
- Ravindra Jadeja: An experienced all-rounder, Jadeja is CSK’s second-highest wicket-taker and a mainstay in the middle order.
Performance Differences:
- Gaikwad: Scored 2380 runs in 66 matches with 18 fifties and two centuries.
- Jadeja: With 160 wickets, he ranks tenth among the highest wicket takers in IPL history.
Why is it kept at INR 18 Crore each? Gaikwad’s leadership potential and batting prowess complement Jadeja’s all-round capabilities, making them essential to CSK’s strategy.
6. Rashid Khan
Profile: Gujarat Titans (GT) provided Rashid Khan At INR 18 crore, he embraces his status as one of the most feared bowlers in the league.
Performance Differences:
- Matches Played: 121
- The doors were taken: 149.
Why is it kept at INR 18 Crore? Rashid’s ability to sustain runs and take important wickets is the backbone of GT’s bowling strategy. Its retention provides a reliable spin attack that is essential to GT’s success.
7. Sanju Samson
Profile: Who Rajasthan Royals (RR) captain and leading batsman Samson played a vital role in the team’s revival and took them to the IPL 2022 final.
Performance Differences:
- Matches Played: 167
- Runs Goal: 4419 at a strike rate of 138.96.
Why is it kept at INR 18 Crore? Samson’s dynamic leadership and batting prowess make him a keystone for RR’s aspirations. His consistency adds stability to the lineup, ensuring RR’s competitiveness in IPL 2025.
8. Akhar Patel
Profile: Delhi Capitals (DC) they put their faith in all-rounder Axar Patel and made him their most expensive catch at INR 16.5. Known for his economical bowling and valuable lower-order contributions, Axar’s all-round skills remain invaluable for DC.
Performance Differences:
- Matches Played: 150
- The doors were taken: 123
- Runs Goal: 1653.
Why is it kept at INR 16.5 Crore? Akhar’s reliability with the ball and lower-order batting make him vital to DC’s balance, especially after Rishabh Pant’s release.
9. Rinku Singh
Profile: Rinku Singh, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) has become a fan favorite for his ability to hit the finish line quickly.
Performance Differences:
- Matches Played: 45
- Runs Goal: 893, at a strike rate of 143.34.
Why is it kept at INR 13 Crore? KKR’s decision to back Rinku’s finishing skills is a testament to his value in tight situations. His prowess in chasing makes him essential to KKR’s batting line-up.
10. Shashank Singh
Profile: Between Punjab Kings’ (PBKS) minimal storage, Shashank Singh It stands out as the most expensive at INR 5.5 crore. Known for his powerful shot, Shashank was the top scorer of PBKS last season.
Performance Differences:
- 2024 Statistics: Scored 354 runs at a strike rate of 164.65.
Why is it kept at INR 5.5 Crore? Shashank’s potential as a future star coincides with PBKS’s broader auction plans. His retention allows PBKS to chase other marquee names with a significant purse.
