With the player retention submission date fast approaching on October 31, franchises are busy strategizing on whom to retain for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season. Teams are weighing their options on retaining players, using the Right to Match (RTM) card, or letting some go to free up budget space. The crucial decision-making period has created a buzz, with reports indicating which players will be key to each team’s strategy for the new season.
Sunrisers Hyderabad’s retention plan ahead of IPL 2025 auction
According to a report from ESPNcricinfo, Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) have finalized their list of retention picks ahead of the IPL 2025 auction. The franchise is expected to retain their key players, including Heinrich Klaasen, Pat Cummins, and Abhishek Sharma. Among these, Klaasen will be the top retention pick, with reports suggesting he will be retained at a significant price.
Heinrich Klaasen’s high-value retention at a whopping price
Klaasen, who played a vital role in SRH’s performance last season, is set to become the top retention for the team. Reports suggest that the wicketkeeper-batter will be retained for a whopping INR 23 crore, making him one of the most valuable players in the retention pool. Klaasen’s performances in IPL 2024 showcased his ability to anchor the innings and provide stability to the middle order, justifying the franchise’s decision to invest heavily in him.
Pat Cummins to continue as SRH captain in 2025
Cummins, who captained SRH to the final last season, is also set to continue his leadership role in the 2025 season. The Australian pacer is expected to be retained at INR 18 crore. Cummins’ all-round abilities and leadership were crucial to SRH’s success, and the franchise is keen to maintain that stability by keeping him at the helm for another year.
Abhishek Sharma to be retained as key Indian player
Indian star Abhishek will be another crucial retention for SRH, with reports indicating a retention price of INR 14 crore. Abhishek has been a consistent performer for SRH, contributing with both bat and ball, and his retention reflects the team’s desire to build a balanced squad. His all-round skills make him an asset, and SRH will be looking for more of the same in the upcoming season.
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Additional retentions to include two more stars
Alongside the primary trio, SRH are also likely to finalize deals for retaining Travis Head and uncapped Indian player Nitish Kumar Reddy. Both players have shown promise and have been part of the team’s long-term plans. The franchise appears to be keen on retaining a core group of players to maintain consistency going into the next season.
IPL 2025 retention rules
The purse for the IPL 2025 auction is set at INR 120 crore, with each franchise allowed to retain up to six players, including one uncapped Indian player. The IPL has also laid down specific retention slabs: INR 18 crore, INR 14 crore, and INR 11 crore for the first three capped retentions, and additional slabs of INR 18 crore and INR 14 crore for the next two capped players. Uncapped Indian players can fetch a maximum of INR 4 crore, while franchises have the flexibility to distribute the retention budget of INR 75 crore among five capped players as per their strategy.
SRH looks to build a competitive squad for IPL 2025
With the retention decisions nearing finalization, SRH are focused on building a squad capable of competing at the highest level. The potential retentions of Klaasen, Cummins, Abhishek, and others indicate the franchise’s commitment to retaining a mix of experience and youth. As the retention deadline looms, all eyes will be on how other franchises strategize their moves and whether any surprise releases might shake up the auction dynamics.
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