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IPL 2025: Kohli To Open, Bumrah To Lead Attack; Best XI Of The Retained Players By Franchises

IPL 2025- (Source: @Johns/X.com)IPL 2025- (Source: @Johns/X.com)

On October 31, all ten franchises released their retention list for IPL 2025. There were a few surprises as the likes of Rishabh Pant and KL Rahul were released by their teams. While few teams used their six retentions and sides like Punjab Kings backed just two players.

Thus, this article will shed light on the best XI of the retained players for IPL 2025. However, it is worth noting that the list is based on the player's performance in IPL 2024 and keeping the overseas quota of four players in mind. 

1. Virat Kohli

Former RCB skipper has earned his biggest IPL contract as RCB have retained him for a whopping 21 crores. The right-hand batter was the orange cap winner in IPL 2024 and amassed 741 runs, which featured a century and five fifties.

2. Sunil Narine

Sunil Narine will open the innings with Virat as he won the most valuable player of the year award as he scored 488 runs, including a century and 3 fifties. Further, he claimed 17 wickets at an economy rate of 6.69. Narine has been retained for 12 crores by KKR. 

3. Sanju Samson 

Samson was the second- best performer for Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2024 as he scored 531 runs and was the fifth leading run-getter in the tournament. He also led his side to the play-offs. Samson has been retained for 18 crores by RR. 

4. Nicholas Pooran

Pooran has also joined the 20-crore club as he has been retained for 21 crores by LSG. Further, Pooran, who is likely to lead the Giants in IPL 2025, scored 499 runs in the last season and had a strike rate of 178, one of the best in the league. 

5. Heinrich Klaasen

Talk about consistency and Klaasen is the name that comes to mind. The South African is the highest retained player this year for a whopping 23 crores. He kept wickets and amassed 479 runs in the league, despite coming down the order and averaged 39.92.

6. Riyan Parag

At No. 6, Parag fits the bill as he scored 573 runs in IPL 2024, the third highest in the league. Rajasthan Royals have retained his services for 14 crores. 

7. Shivam Dube

At No. 7, Shivam Dube, who has made a name for himself to play big shots against spinners, is the right choice. He amassed 396 runs and smashed huge sixes batting down the order to provide the finishing touch.  He has been retained for 12 crores.

8. Axar Patel

In the all-rounder's category, Axar Patel was one of the vital players for Delhi Capitals. He scored 235 runs with the bat and also took 11 wickets. He has been retained by DC for 16.5 crores. 

9. Varun Chakravarthy

Varun had his best IPL season and took 21 wickets in IPL 2024, the most by any spinner. He was second on the purple cap's list and has been retained for 12 crores by the Knight Riders. 

10. Jasprit Bumrah

Jasprit Bumrah has been named as Mumbai Indians' top pick and retained for 18 crores. He took 20 wickets last season, the third most by any bowler in 2024 season. 

11. Harshit Rana 

Another fast bowler, who impressed the most was Harshit Rana as the KKR seamer played a vital role in Knight Riders' title glory. He took 19 wickets and has been retained for 4 crores as uncapped player.