On one hand, Sanju Samson, as the captain and a senior figure, might be favoured, especially since Dravid tends to respect established hierarchies and leadership. On the other hand, Yashasvi Jaiswal, in excellent form and emerging as a key player, has a strong case for top retention based on performance alone. Dravid's traditional approach to leadership suggests that Samson could remain the top retention due to his experience and role within the team. This decision may also be influenced by the franchise's desire to maintain continuity and stability in leadership. Jaiswal, however, is a critical part of the team's future, and it seems likely he would be second on the retention list. Riyan Parag, as a young player who has shown promise and has been part of the Royals' core for a while, could be the third retention, while Jos Buttler's match-winning ability makes him a strong contender for the fourth slot. The surprise inclusion could be Sandeep Sharma, whose uncapped status and strong bowling performances might make him an appealing option under the new retention rules. Yuzvendra Chahal, a consistent wicket-taker, would be another valuable asset for the Royals if they prioritise experience in their bowling attack. The decisions Rajasthan make under Dravid's guidance will depend on balancing current form, leadership, and the franchise's long-term vision. The Royals, given their consistent performances in recent seasons, are indeed advocating for maximum retentions to maintain the core of their squad. After coming close to winning the IPL in 2022, only to be defeated by Gujarat Titans under Hardik Pandya's strong leadership, the Royals recognize the importance of continuity in building a championship-winning team. The push for maximum retention reflects their desire to keep their key players intact, particularly as their squad has been performing well. Players like Sanju Samson, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Jos Buttler, and others have been instrumental in their recent successes. Rajasthan's management likely sees retaining this core group as crucial to sustaining their momentum and ensuring they remain competitive in future seasons. Despite their near-miss in 2022, the Royals appear to be positioning themselves for another strong run, and under Rahul Dravid's guidance, they will likely focus on refining their strategy while leveraging their talented roster. Retaining their top performers will be essential to closing the gap and securing another IPL title.