CSK At Second Place; 3 Worst IPL Retentions Before 2025 Mega Auction

Debashis Sarangi

CSK retained two players at 18 Crores [Source: @SergioCSKK/X]CSK retained two players at 18 Crores [Source: @SergioCSKK/X]

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On Thursday, the IPL franchises submitted the final list of their retained players ahead of the much-awaited mega auction. While Rishabh Pant and Shreyas Iyer ended their stints with Delhi Capitals and Kolkata Knight Riders, respectively, KL Rahul decided to leave the Lucknow Super Giants camp and enter the mega auction pool. 

While most of the teams got their retention list spot on, there were a few surprising inclusions as well. So, as the mega auction nears, here are the three worst retentions of IPL 2025. 

3. Mayank Yadav - INR 11 Cr

Mayank Yadav showcased his skills in his maiden IPL season, emerging as one of the rising stars for Lucknow SuperGiants. In four matches, the right-arm pacer scalped seven wickets at an impressive economy of less than seven. So, considering he bowls at a rapid pace, the SuperGiants retained him for a whopping price of INR 11 Crores. 

Generally, if a team pays such a massive amount to a fast bowler, it expects him to spearhead its bowling department. Coming to Mayank, he has all the ability in the world to lead LSG's pace battery, but being a hit-the-deck bowler, he is vulnerable to back injury. In fact, he recently recovered from an injury that sidelined him from the IPL 2024. 

So, regardless of his class, LSG should've given it a second thought before offering him such an enormous amount. With plenty of options available in the mega auction pool, we reckon they could've drafted him back at a lower price. This deal seems to have an understandable element of desperation and could've been executed better. 

2. Ravindra Jadeja - INR 18 Cr

Since joining the franchise, ace Indian all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja has been a mainstay in the Chennai Super Kings camp, establishing himself as one of their vital cogs. From chipping in with valuable cameos to bowling economic spells, Jadeja has done it all for the Super Kings and has been rightly retained ahead of the mega auction. 

However, his price tag of INR 18 crores is certainly a bit eyebrow-raising, considering his age and fitness. A true all-rounder of the game, Jadeja's career has recently been marred by a troubled knee, something the Super Kings must've been aware of. 

The five-time champions could've invested in Devon Conway or the in-form Rachin Ravindra to strengthen their troublesome top order. If they didn't need the New Zealand duo, CSK could've paid Jadeja a little less, saving some money for the mega auction. Thus, this move is more or less driven by emotions rather than practicality. 

1. Dhruv Jurel - INR 14 Cr

Rajasthan Royals' promising keeper-batter Dhruv Jurel has played a few impressive knocks for the franchise in the IPL. The Royals have primarily used him as their crisis man, asking him to play as the second fiddle to the swashbuckling Shimron Hetmyer in the lower middle order. 

However, for someone to be retained at a price of INR 14 Crores, his stats and reputation must hold that much of significance. And unfortunately, Jurel's stature and numbers don't justify his whopping price tag of INR 14 Crores. 

He has been a regular face in the Royals' XI, but the franchise certainly had at least three capped players - Jos Buttler, Yuzvendra Chahal and Trent Boult - who were worth retaining ahead of the wicketkeeper. 

Even if the Royals wanted Jurel at any cost, they could've used the RTM card to get him back at a lower amount in the auction. Thus, only Jurel can justify his selection over Buttler, Chahal and Boult by living up to the owners' expectations in the IPL 2025.