As the cricket fraternity heads into the IPL 2025 auction, the fans might have to say goodbye to some familiar faces in their favorite teams. With the cap of retaining only six players (five capped and one uncapped), the teams have no option but to make some tough calls.
For some teams, it is likely not just about the budget, these choices might come down to strategic changes. Another possibility is that they might be planning for the future with younger or different players. Besides that, other teams would be eyeing certain high-profile players.
In such a scenario, the franchises may make adjustments in order to avoid salary cap battles. So, while these decisions can be tough for fans, they are often part of a larger game plan particularly aimed at building a well-rounded and competitive team. Let’s take a look at the five big players who could be released on IPL 2025 retention deadline day (October 31).
1. KL Rahul
If reports doing the rounds are to be believed, then the Lucknow based franchise might let go of KL Rahul on IPL 2025 retention deadline day. Rahul has been the team skipper for three seasons on the trot. Under his captaincy, the Lucknow based franchise qualified for the playoffs in the first two seasons before failing to qualify in the third season.
LSG finished seventh on the IPL 2024 points table. The Bengaluru-born cricketer could be released before the auction owing to his intent and strike rate. According to reports from ESPN Cricinfo, the veteran cricketer recently met with LSG owners but didn’t promise to commit his future with the team.
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2. Rishabh Pant
According to several reports, the Delhi-based franchise wants to keep Rishabh Pant ahead of the IPL 2025 mega option. However, it seems that he might not be their first pick for the skipper this time around. It seems that the 25-year-old had a discussion the team team owners and is curious to lead the team as well.
At the same time, the Delhi team management is not much interested in giving him the captaincy. As a result, Rishabh Pant might give it a thought about parting ways with the franchise as many other big teams are interested in securing his services as their captain.
Earlier this month, the Roorkee-born cricketer took to his official X handle (previously Twitter) with a cheeky tweet that reads, “If I go to the auction, will I be sold or not and for how much?”
3. Shreyas Iyer
Shreyas Iyer drew plaudits for his excellent captaincy in the IPL 2024 season. Under his captaincy, KKR made it all the way to the finals and defeated Sunrisers Hyderabad to win their third title. KKR are pretty much interested to keep Shreyas since he has been a key captain for them.
However, KKR will be figuring out ways if he should be one of the top five players they can retain. For the record, KKR already have plenty of big players in at their disposal. They are none other than Sunil Narine, Andre Russell Mitchell Starc, Phil Salt and Varun Chakravarthy. Since KKR can only keep five capped players, they have to meticulously choose whom they should retain.
4. Rashid Khan
Afghanistan international Rashid Khan is another big name that could be released on IPL 2025 retention deadline day. Rashid Khan, who holds a truckload of experience, played for Gujarat Titans in the last three seasons. He won the title as a player in the IPL 2022 season.
In the subsequent season, he was part of the team that finished as the runners up. According to the reports, Mumbai Indians are contemplating signing the experienced T20I bowling allrounder for the next season. Rashid Khan would surely be tempted to join the IPL giant, if the move materializes.
5. Glenn Maxwell
Australian international Glenn Maxwell is another big name who could be released on IPL 2025 retention deadline day. They experienced allrounder hasn’t been in top form for the Bengaluru-based franchise in the last couple of seasons. He had a tough 2024 season where he managed to score just 52 runs in 10 games.
However, he was pretty decent with the ball as he took six wickets to his name. The Australian also took a break during the season, citing mental health reasons. Despite that, he came back for some games. He failed to bring the best out of himself and it is a possibility that RCB will let go of him.
Read more: 5 players SRH could retain ahead of IPL 2025 mega auction
