Thursday (October 31), the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 Retention lists have been released showing which players will continue with their respective franchises for the upcoming season. All ten teams –Chennai Super Kings, Royal Challengers Bangalore, Kolkata Knight Riders, Mumbai Indians, Sunrisers Hyderabad, Lucknow Super Giants, Rajasthan Royals, Gujarat Titans, Kings of the Punjaband Capitals of Delhi– announced their decisions to the public.
Basic details and importance of save lists
- Total Franchise Wallet: Each team has a budget of Rs 120 million per season.
- Storage Strategy: Teams have strategically selected players to retain based on their performance and potential contribution for the upcoming season. Amounts for retained players will be deducted from each franchise’s overall purse, which will affect their ability to spend in the upcoming auction.
Save lists play a crucial role in shaping the dynamics of the upcoming IPL season. By retaining key players, franchises aim to maintain team chemistry and strengthen their chances of success. Conversely, uncapped players will enter the auction pool and provide opportunities for other teams to bolster their rosters. As teams prepare for the 2025 season, the strategic choices made in these holding lists will undoubtedly have a significant impact on team composition and tournament performance.
Here is the best player XI after IPL 2025 retention
Top Order
1. Travis Head (Lefty)
- Storage Price: Rs 14 crores
- Role: Aggressive opener
- The 2024 show: 567 runs in 15 matches, average 40.50, strike rate 191.55
- Power: Bash showed impressive power hitting with 64 fours and 32 sixes making him a reliable aggressive opener.
- Major contribution: His century (102) showcases his ability to anchor the innings while maintaining a high strike rate that is invaluable in setting the tone early.
2. Sanju Samson (Right handed batsman, wicket keeper and captain)
- Storage Price: Rs 18 crores
- Role: Goalie and No. 2 batter
- The 2024 show: 531 runs in 15 matches, average 48.27, SR 153.47
- Power: Sanjun’s consistency, including five fifties, played a key role in providing stability along with his attacking prowess.
- Contribution: His versatility as a wicketkeeper and top-order batsman clearly adds balance with a top score of 86 runs and six catches.
3. Virat Kohli (Right handed)
- Storage Price: 21 million Rs
- Role: Anchor No. 3
- The 2024 show: 741 runs in 15 matches at an average of 61.75 and SR of 154.70
- Power: Kohli’s remarkable streak, including a century and five fifties, reinforces his value as a chase master.
- Contribution: Ability to handle high-pressure situations, keeps the team steady if early wickets fall.
Also READ: Indian Premier League: IPL 2025 mega auction date and venue confirmed
Middle Order
4. Nicholas Pooran (Left-Handed Fruit)
- Storage Price: 21 million Rs
- Role: Explosive middle-order hitter
- The 2024 show: 499 runs in 14 matches, average 62.38, SR 178.21
- Power: Pooran’s pace with 36 sixes and 35 fours in the middle order provides depth.
- Contribution: His consistent, high-impact contributions at a high strike rate help turn games in the middle overs.
5. Riyan Parag (Right-handed batsman, all-rounder)
- Storage Price: Rs 14 crores
- Role: Finisher and part-time bowler
- The 2024 show: 573 runs in 15 matches, average 52.09, SR 149.22
- Bowling: Limited to just 18 balls, yet to take a wicket.
- Power: As a finisher, Parag’s 33 sixes shows his finishing power.
- Contribution: A valuable lower-order batsman needs to develop his bowling sequence to add flexibility.
6. Rinku Singh (Left Handed)
- Storage Price: Rs 13 crores
- Role: A lower average finisher
- The 2024 show: 168 runs in 14 matches, average 18.67, SR 148.67
- Power: Despite the modest totals, Rinku’s ability to make effective strikes at the end of innings adds strategic depth.
- Contribution: Known for clutch performances but can target consistency.
7. Andre Russell (right-handed batsman, fast bowling all-rounder)
- Storage Price: 12 million Rs
- Role: Finisher and pace-bowling all-rounder
- The 2024 show: 222 runs and 19 wickets at a strike rate of 185.00
- Bowling: 10.06.2018 Excellent die option with economy.
- Power: Russell’s ability to both score fast and contribute in the death bowling makes him a highly effective player.
Bowling attack
8. Rashid Khan (The Leg Spinner)
- Storage Price: Rs 18 crores
- Role: Strike bowler and No.8 batter
- The 2024 show: 10 wickets in 12 matches at an economy of 8.40
- Power: Though less prolific, Rashid’s economical spells and wicket-taking ability remain key assets.
- Contribution: Adds control and variety to the bowling attack, while his batting offers low-end stability.
9. Jasprit Bumrah (Right Arm Fast Bowler)
- Storage Price: Rs 18 crores
- Role: Leading fast bowler
- The 2024 show: 20 wickets in 13 matches at an economy of 6.48
- Power: Bumrah’s outstanding death-bowling skills and wicket-taking ability make him indispensable.
- Contribution: His control at both ends of the innings provides balanced bowling support.
10. Varun Chakraborty (Mystery Spinner)
- Storage Price: 12 million Rs
- Role: Mid-level executive
- The 2024 show: 21 wickets in 15 matches, save 8.04
- Power: Varu’s mysterious spin effectively contained runs and took wickets in the middle overs.
- Contribution: His strike rate of 14.29 highlights his effectiveness as a bounce bowler.
11. Matheesha Pathirana (Right Arm Fast Bowler)
- Storage Price: Rs 13 crores
- Role: Pacemaker and death control specialist
- The 2024 show: 13 wickets in 6 matches with an economy rate of 7.68
- Power: Pathirana’s unique movement and death-bowling accuracy made him a rising star.
- Contribution: Complements Bumrah well, adding unpredictability especially in tight finishes.
The 12th Man
Suryakumar Yadav (Right handed batsman)
- Role: Backup middle option and field substitute
- Power: Known for his dynamic 360-degree stroke play, Suryakumar is an ideal impact player who can step up the pace whenever he wants.
Rohit Sharma and MS Dhoni: Reasons for their exclusion from the top XI
Performed by Rohit Sharma
Rohit Sharma has been a standout in the IPL known for his explosive batting and leadership. However, its performance in 2024 raises some concerns. With 417 runs in 14 matches, he has an average of 32.08 and a strike rate of 150.00 which includes a top score of 105*. Although he has scored a century, his average shows a lack of consistent big scores, which is so important for a top-order batsman. Furthermore, with just one fifty to accompany his century, he often shows that he struggles to convert starts into significant innings. His performance, although highlighted by a century, was not impressive enough to be included in the top ten.
Current role of MS Dhoni
MS DhoniDespite being a legendary cricketer, he is now playing at a more limited level later in his career. In 2024, he scored 161 runs in 14 matches, maintaining an impressive average of 53.67 for his ability to finish the innings. Despite this, his overall contribution in terms of runs remains relatively low, with a top score of 37*. Dhoni’s batting role has shifted to that of a finisher and while he has been effective in that role, the team requires players who can build consistent innings. Furthermore, with the changing batting dynamics and emphasis on power hitting, Dhoni’s strike rate of 220.55, while excellent, often comes in low-order scenarios, limiting his opportunities to make a significant contribution.
