With the IPL 2025 mega auction approaching, teams are once again faced with difficult decisions about player retention. The retention rules are out. While every franchise has multiple stars, retaining the right players will shape their future in the next cycle of IPL seasons. Here, we look at two key players each team must retain while keeping in mind that franchises can retain two additional players later.

1) Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)

Shreyas Iyer and Sunil Narine

As the defending champions of IPL 2024, Kolkata Knight Riders will seek to retain a core that helped them secure their title. The first name on the list is captain Shreyas Iyer, who has been instrumental in stabilizing and consistently leading the team. Shreyas, a reliable middle-order batter, has also made key tactical decisions that brought KKR its second IPL title. His leadership and ability to deliver in crunch situations make him an irreplaceable asset for KKR moving forward.

Another key player for retention is Sunil Narine. In IPL 2024, Narine was nothing short of a revelation. Narine showcased his all-round prowess by becoming the first player in IPL history to score 500 runs and take 15 wickets in a season. His role as an opener and mystery spin turned several matches in KKR’s favour. Retaining him is crucial to their future success, as his experience and versatility make him a cornerstone of their lineup.

2) Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH)

Pat Cummins and Travis Head

Sunrisers Hyderabad, the IPL 2024 runners-up, have built a strong core, with Pat Cummins and Travis Head leading the charge. The team captain, Cummins, led from the front with both ball and bat. His leadership and 18 wickets in the season helped SRH navigate their way to the final. Cummins’ control of the ball, particularly in high-pressure situations, makes him an obvious retention for the team.

Travis Head, meanwhile, has established himself as a dynamic top-order batter. Scoring 567 runs in 15 matches at an astonishing strike rate of 191, Head has transformed the SRH batting lineup, providing crucial starts and consistency. His aggressive style has been key to SRH’s success in 2024, and retaining both Cummins and Head would secure SRH’s future as a formidable contender in the league.

3) Chennai Super Kings (CSK)

Ruturaj Gaikwad and Matheesha Pathirana

Chennai Super Kings have always built their squad around a solid core, and two players they must retain are Ruturaj Gaikwad and Matheesha Pathirana. Ruturaj, the captain of CSK, has been exceptional in leading the team, and his performances with the bat have been top-notch. Gaikwad, a two-time Orange Cap winner, was a key part of CSK’s IPL 2024 title, and his ascension to captaincy signals CSK’s commitment to nurturing a long-term leader. His calmness under pressure and consistency at the top order make him a must-retain for CSK.

Matheesha Pathirana, CSK’s death-bowling specialist, has emerged as an irreplaceable asset. Known for his slinging action and yorker accuracy, Pathirana has made a name for himself by containing runs in the death overs and taking key wickets. His ability to handle high-pressure situations with composure makes him essential for CSK’s future campaigns.

4) Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB)

Virat Kohli and Will Jacks

RCB, known for its star-studded lineup, would naturally look to retain Virat Kohli. The franchise icon has been the face of RCB since its inception and remains a fan favourite. Despite RCB’s ups and downs, Kohli’s individual performances with the bat have always been spectacular, and his presence adds immense value to the team both on and off the field. His experience and ability to anchor the innings are irreplaceable, making him the first-choice retention.

Will Jacks is another key player RCB must retain. In IPL 2024, Jacks proved his worth, scoring 230 runs in just 8 matches, including a century and a fifty, while also chipping in with two wickets. Jacks represents the future of RCB, and his all-round abilities make him a key part of the team’s rebuild strategy. His explosive batting at the top and his ability to bowl part-time spin makes him a versatile option for the team.

5) Delhi Capitals (DC)

Rishabh Pant and Jake Fraser-McGurk

Rishabh Pant is the obvious choice for Delhi Capitals’ retention. The captain and wicketkeeper-batter has been central to DC’s success in recent years. Pant’s aggressive batting, leadership qualities, and ability to change the course of a match in a matter of overs make him an indispensable asset for Delhi. Despite his injury setbacks, his contributions with both bat and gloves are irreplaceable for the franchise.

Jake Fraser-McGurk, who debuted in IPL 2024, has quickly risen to prominence. In just 9 matches, he scored 330 runs at a strike rate of 234, making him a player with enormous potential. His ability to accelerate the innings and finish games makes him an exciting talent to build around for the future. Retaining Fraser-McGurk would give Delhi a dynamic option in the middle order, capable of taking the team to the next level.

6) Punjab Kings (PBKS)

Sam Curran and Shashank Singh

Sam Curran has been a standout performer for Punjab Kings, and his all-round skills make him a top retention choice. Curran’s ability to contribute with both bat and ball makes him one of the most valuable players in T20 cricket. His leadership in the field and knack for delivering in high-pressure situations add further value to his retention.

Shashank Singh, the surprise package of IPL 2024, was a revelation for Punjab Kings. Scoring 354 runs at a strike rate of 161, Shashank often took PBKS to victory with his explosive batting. His ability to take on the bowlers at any stage of the innings makes him a key player to retain, ensuring PBKS continues to have a dependable middle-order batter.

7) Mumbai Indians (MI)

Hardik Pandya and Jasprit Bumrah

Mumbai Indians will undoubtedly retain Hardik Pandya, who returned as captain in IPL 2024. His leadership skills and ability to deliver match-winning performances with both bat and ball make him the backbone of MI’s future plans. Hardik’s experience and ability to adapt to different match situations make him a must-retain for the franchise.

Jasprit Bumrah, arguably the best fast bowler in the world, is another obvious retention for MI. His unmatched ability to bowl in the powerplay and death overs makes him the best fast-bowling asset in IPL cricket. With Bumrah in their ranks, MI has the firepower to dominate with the ball, making him essential to their lineup.

8) Rajasthan Royals (RR)

Sanju Samson and Riyan Parag

Sanju Samson, Rajasthan Royals’ captain, has consistently performed for the franchise. Having led RR to a final and a playoff in the last two seasons, Samson’s leadership and batting at the top have been instrumental in the team’s progress. His ability to anchor an innings while accelerating when needed makes him an essential retention for RR.

Riyan Parag, with a standout season in IPL 2024, forced his way into the Indian team. Parag was one of the season’s standout performers, scoring 573 runs with four fifties. His all-round abilities and aggressive batting style have made him a fan favorite and a key asset for RR moving forward.

9) Lucknow Super Giants (LSG)

Marcus Stoinis and Nicholas Pooran

With KL Rahul’s retention uncertain, Lucknow Super Giants would likely prioritize their two overseas stars, Marcus Stoinis and Nicholas Pooran. Stoinis’ all-round abilities with bat and ball make him invaluable to the side. His power-hitting and ability to bowl in crunch moments add balance to LSG’s lineup.

Nicholas Pooran, with his explosive batting and wicketkeeping, provides another dynamic option for LSG. Pooran can change the course of a game in a matter of overs, making him a crucial part of the team’s future plans.

10) Gujarat Titans (GT)

Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan

Gujarat Titans would likely retain their captain, Shubman Gill, who has led from the front with both bat and tactical acumen. His consistency at the top of the order has been key to GT’s success. Gill’s ability to build innings and accelerate at the right moments makes him a must-retain for the defending champions.

Sai Sudharsan, with 1,034 runs in 35 matches, has been a revelation for GT. His century and six fifties demonstrate his ability to handle pressure and perform in crucial situations. Retaining Sudharsan would solidify GT’s batting lineup and provide them with a reliable top-order option for the future.