IPL 2025 Auction: One Player Each IPL Franchise Will Undoubtedly Retain

IPL 2025 auction is fast approaching [Source: @IPL/x.com]IPL 2025 auction is fast approaching [Source: @IPL/x.com]

With the IPL 2025 mega-auction around the corner, each franchise will face tough choices regarding player retention. However, some decisions are no-brainers, with players whose contributions to their teams have been nothing short of phenomenal.

Let’s dive into the one player each IPL team will surely retain to ensure they keep their linchpins close as they gear up for another exciting season.

Chennai Super Kings: MS Dhoni

When you think of CSK, one name always springs to mind—MS Dhoni. With the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) reintroducing the rule for uncapped players, Dhoni, who last played international cricket in 2019, qualifies as uncapped.

This allows CSK to rope him in without using up a capped player retention slot. The legendary captain has led the Yellow Army to five IPL titles, cementing his status as CSK’s greatest asset. It's safe to say that Dhoni is the heartbeat of CSK, and they wouldn't dare let him go.

Mumbai Indians: Jasprit Bumrah

Jasprit Bumrah, Mumbai’s ace pacer, is undoubtedly a retention lock. His lethal bowling, both with the new ball and at the death, has been instrumental in Mumbai’s success over the years. With 165 wickets from 133 matches, Bumrah’s consistency makes him a bowler that most teams can only dream of having.

His ability to break partnerships and control the game’s tempo makes him irreplaceable. Mumbai Indians will hold on to Bumrah like a precious gem—his value on the cricket field is simply unmatched.

Kolkata Knight Riders: Sunil Narine

Sunil Narine has been a game-changer for Kolkata Knight Riders since he first stepped onto the IPL stage. In 2024, his all-round brilliance helped KKR clinch the title, with him contributing both with the bat and ball. Scoring 488 runs at a strike rate of 180.74 and picking up 17 wickets, Narine was in scintillating form.

Whether opening the innings or bowling crucial overs, he’s been KKR’s trump card for years. Retaining Narine is a decision as clear as day—he’s the knight in shining armour that KKR will keep in their corner.

Rajasthan Royals: Yashasvi Jaiswal

Yashasvi Jaiswal has become the linchpin of Rajasthan Royals in recent years, especially after the last two spectacular seasons where he scored over 1,000 runs at a strike rate of around 160. 

His explosive batting at the top of the order has made him a fan favourite, and with his continued success in international cricket, Jaiswal is the face of RR’s future. He’s not just a retention prospect—he’s their potential captain in the making and RR will retain Jaiswal without a second thought, for the batter is destined to lead them into the future.

Sunrisers Hyderabad: Travis Head

Sunrisers Hyderabad will undoubtedly retain Travis Head, whose explosive batting in 2024 turned heads. Scoring 567 runs at a jaw-dropping strike rate of 191.55, Head was the backbone of SRH’s top order. His partnerships with Abhishek Sharma often set the tone for SRH’s dominance in matches.

Head has proven that his aggressive approach can dismantle the fiercest of bowling attacks, making him an invaluable asset for Hyderabad. Furthermore, his sensational form in international cricket leaves no doubt that SRH will lock in his retention.

Gujarat Titans: Shubman Gill

Shubman Gill has been Gujarat Titans’ go-to man at the top of the order since 2022. While the Titans had a rough season in 2024, Gill’s personal performance was solid, with over 400 runs to his name. His consistency and calmness under pressure make him the perfect player to lead Gujarat’s batting line-up.

Given his future as a potential Indian captain, retaining Gill is not just about the present but about securing the future as well. Gujarat Titans will hold onto their crown jewel without hesitation as he has been their main man since the franchise’s inception.

Royal Challengers Bangalore: Virat Kohli

Virat Kohli and RCB—it's a partnership that’s stood the test of time. Kohli has been the backbone of the Royal Challengers since the IPL’s inception. Despite all the changes in personnel, Kohli has remained the constant force, churning out runs with consistency.

In IPL 2024, he claimed the Orange Cap with 741 runs in 15 matches at a strike rate of 154.69, proving once again that he’s far from done. Kohli is the pillar around which RCB’s fortunes rest, and there’s no chance the team will let him slip away.

Lucknow Super Giants: Nicholas Pooran

With KL Rahul’s future uncertain, Nicholas Pooran is the natural choice for retention by Lucknow Super Giants. Pooran’s wicketkeeping, paired with his explosive batting, makes him a vital cog in LSG’s setup.

Scoring 499 runs at a blistering strike rate of 178.21 in IPL 2024, Pooran has established himself as one of the most destructive players in the league. Letting him go would be similar to losing the plot in a thriller movie—LSG will surely secure his services for the long haul.

Delhi Capitals: Rishabh Pant

Delhi's swashbuckling batter, Rishabh Pant, is a no-brainer for retention. Leading from the front, Pant had a solid IPL 2024 season, scoring 446 runs in 13 matches.

His aggressive stroke play and fearless captaincy make him the beating heart of the Delhi Capitals. Pant has been with Delhi through thick and thin, and they will undoubtedly bank on his leadership to guide them to their first IPL title.

Punjab Kings: Arshdeep Singh

Punjab Kings have unearthed a gem in Arshdeep Singh, whose death bowling has become a game-changer for the team. His ability to bowl in crunch situations along with his knack for taking crucial wickets, makes him a priceless asset.

With left-arm pacers being a rare commodity in world cricket, Arshdeep’s value skyrockets, and Punjab will do everything to keep him spearheading their bowling attack. He is the kingpin of their bowling unit, and PBKS will surely retain him.