The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 mega-auction is expected to take place this November, and franchises have already made their mark by retaining key players. On Thursday (October 31), teams finalized their retentions, showcasing strategic moves and sizable expenditures to secure the core of their lineups.

Structured retention strategies and noteworthy retention

While most franchises focused on maintaining continuity, Punjab Kings (PBKS) took a unique approach, retaining only two players. This conservative tactic has left them with a whopping INR 110.5 crore auction purse, the largest among all teams, signaling aggressive plans for the upcoming auction. In contrast, Rajasthan Royals (RR) opted to keep six pivotal players, balancing their retention strategy with a remaining auction purse of INR 41 crore. The IPL governing body reportedly set retention caps at INR 18 crore, INR 14 crore and INR 11 crore. However, franchises displayed flexibility, retaining players at amounts tailored to perceived on-field value. This strategy allowed teams to hold onto crucial assets while remaining mindful of budget constraints.

IPL 2025: Ranking the 10 most expensive player retentions

1. Heinrich Klaasen

Profile: Heinrich Klaasen, SunRisers Hyderabad’s marquee retention, set a record as the most expensive retained player at INR 23 crore. Known for his power-packed performances, Klaasen’s impact in the 2024 IPL was pivotal in guiding SRH to the finals.

Performance Highlights:

• Matches Played: 35
• Total Runs: Nearly 1000 at a remarkable strike rate of 168.31
• 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 retained at INR 23 Crore? Klaasen’s match-winning potential, particularly under pressure, cements his value to SRH. His ability to accelerate in the middle overs and finish games has made him indispensable. His retention ensures SRH maintains a formidable batting line-up, capable of taking on any opposition.

2. Virat Kohli

Profile: Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have kept their long-time icon, Virat Kohliat INR 21 crore, making him the highest-valued Indian player. Although Kohli retired from international T20s post-India‘s T20 World Cup win in 2024, his legacy and form keep him at the center of RCB’s plans.

Performance Highlights:

• RCB Tenure: Spanning his entire IPL career.
• Leadership Prospects: Speculations are rife about Kohli reclaiming the captaincy in 2025, given his deep-rooted association with RCB and enduring fan support.

Why retained at INR 21 Crore? RCB values Kohli’s consistency, experience, and ability to inspire both on and off the field. His retention solidifies RCB’s core batting unit and strengthens their brand identity, making him not just a player but an invaluable asset.

3. Nicholas Pooran

Profile: With the departure of their former captain KL Rahul, Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) have placed their bets on Nicholas Pooranretaining him at INR 21 crore. A hard-hitting West Indian keeper-batter, Pooran has consistently delivered explosive performances.

Performance Highlights:

• Matches Played: 76
• Runs Scored: 1769 at an impressive strike rate of 162.29
• 2024 Season Stats: Second-highest scorer for LSG, accumulating 499 runs, including 35 fours and 36 sixes.

Why retained at INR 1 Crore? Pooran’s power-hitting and finishing abilities make him a game-changer. LSG’s decision to invest heavily in him underscores his potential to lead their batting department, especially in high-stakes moments.

4.Jasprit Bumrah

Profile: Mumbai Indians (MI) retained their pace spearhead jasprit bumrah at Rs 18 crore. Having been with MI for over a decade, Bumrah’s impact extends beyond wickets, instilling confidence and aggression in the bowling attack.

Performance Highlights:

• Matches Played: 133
• Wickets Taken: 165, ranking him ninth in IPL history.

Why retained at INR 18 Crore? Bumrah’s lethal accuracy and ability to deliver under pressure make him invaluable. He remains MI’s lynchpin in defending scores, especially in the death overs, where his skills are unmatched.

5. Ruturaj Gaikwad and Ravindra Jadeja

Profiles:

• Ruturaj Gaikwad: CSK’s captain since 2024, Gaikwad has steadily evolved into a consistent run-scorer and adept leader.
• Ravindra Jadeja: A seasoned all-rounder, Jadeja is CSK’s second-highest wicket-taker and a middle-order mainstay.

Performance Highlights:

• 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 retained at INR 18 Crore Each? Gaikwad’s leadership potential and batting prowess complement Jadeja’s all-round capabilities, making them essential for CSK’s strategy.

6. Rashid Khan

Profile: Gujarat Titans (GT) secured Rashid Khan at INR 18 crore, acknowledging his status as one of the league’s most feared bowlers.

Performance Highlights:

• Matches Played: 121
• Wickets Taken: 149.

Why retained at INR 18 Crore? Rashid’s unique ability to contain runs and take crucial wickets underpins GT’s bowling strategy. His retention ensures a reliable spin attack, vital for GT’s success.

7. Sanju Samson

Profile: As Rajasthan Royals (RR) captain and lead batter, Samson has been instrumental in the team’s revival, guiding them to the IPL 2022 finals.

Performance Highlights:

• Matches Played: 167
• Runs Scored: 4419 at a strike rate of 138.96.

Why retained 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. Axar Patel

Profile: Delhi Capitals (DC) have placed their faith in all-rounder Axar Patel, making him their most expensive retention at INR 16.5 crore. Known for his economical bowling and valuable lower-order contributions, Axar’s all-around skills remain indispensable for DC.

Performance Highlights:

• Matches Played: 150
• Wickets Taken: 123
• Runs Scored: 1653.

Why retained at INR 16.5 Crore? Axar’s reliability with the ball and lower-order batting make him vital for DC’s balance, particularly after Rishabh Pant’s release.

9. Rinku Singh

Profile: Rinku Singh, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)’s big-hitting finisher, has become a fan-favourite due to his ability to score quickly down the order.

Performance Highlights:

• Matches Played: 45
• Runs Scored: 893 at a strike rate of 143.34.

Why retained 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 crucial to KKR’s batting lineup.

10.Shashank Singh

Profile: Among Punjab Kings' (PBKS) minimal retentions, Shashank Singh stands out as their most expensive at INR 5.5 crore. Known for his power-hitting, Shashank was PBKS’s top-scorer last season.

Performance Highlights:

• 2024 Stats: Scored 354 runs at a strike rate of 164.65.

Why retained at INR 5.5 Crore? Shashank’s potential as a future star aligns with PBKS’s broader auction plans. His retention allows PBKS flexibility to pursue other marquee names with their substantial purse.