Cricket

Rishabh Pant's tenure with the Delhi Capitals (DC) has come to an end, as the franchise has opted not to retain him ahead of the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) season. This decision marks a significant shift for both Pant and DC, who have been closely associated since 2016.Sources close to the development have revealed that Pant's desire for captaincy and involvement in team management played a role in the franchise's decision. While DC was open to retaining Pant, they were not convinced about his leadership abilities in the T20 format."Rishabh Pant wanted captaincy and wanted to be involved with regards to the appointment of coaches and support staff, but plenty in the DC set-up are not convinced about his T20 game," said a source.With Pant's departure, DC faces the challenge of finding a new captain. Axar Patel, who has been retained by the franchise, is a potential candidate. However, sources suggest that DC may explore options at the mega-auction, with Shreyas Iyer being a strong possibility."Axar Patel is there as an option, but there is a strong possibility of DC exploring options at the mega auction. Shreyas Iyer will definitely be on their radar as he enjoyed a lot of success in the DC set-up and understands the set-up well," added the source.DC has retained four players for the upcoming season: Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Tristian Stubbs, and Abhishek Porel. They have also kept the option of Right To Match (RTM) card open for the mega auction.Pant's departure from DC marks the end of an era for the franchise. He joined the team as a young player in 2016 and quickly rose through the ranks, becoming their captain in 2021. His aggressive batting and fearless leadership style made him a fan favorite.However, Pant's recent form in the T20 format has been inconsistent, and his captaincy has come under scrutiny. DC's decision to part ways with him is a reflection of their desire to rebuild and find a new leader who can guide them to success in the years to come.

IPL 2025 Retention Deadline: Franchises Finalize Retained PlayersWith the mega auction for the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) season approaching, the ten franchises have until October 31, 5pm IST, to submit their lists of retained players. Here's a detailed breakdown of the players set to be retained by each franchise:Chennai Super Kings (CSK)CSK will retain five players: captain Ruturaj Gaikwad, all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja, batter Shivam Dube, Sri Lankan fast bowler Matheesha Pathirana, and the legendary MS Dhoni. The amounts paid to each player are yet to be confirmed, but CSK will lose at least INR 65 crore from their overall purse of INR 120 crore.Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)KKR will retain four players: spinner Sunil Narine, batter Rinku Singh, all-rounder Harshit Rana, and mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy. Star all-rounder Andre Russell and 2024 title-winning captain Shreyas Iyer are unlikely to be retained.Lucknow Super Giants (LSG)LSG will retain five players: wicketkeeper-batter Nicholas Pooran, batter Mayank Yadav, spinner Ravi Bishnoi, and uncapped duo Mohsin Khan and Ayush Badoni. KL Rahul, who has led the franchise since its inception, is unlikely to be retained.Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH)SRH will retain five players: South African power-hitter Heinrich Klaasen, Australian fast bowler Pat Cummins, Indian all-rounder Abhishek Sharma, Travis Head, and Nitish Kumar Reddy. Klaasen will receive the highest salary of INR 23 crore, followed by Cummins at INR 18 crore and Sharma at INR 14 crore.Key Takeaways:* CSK retains MS Dhoni and four others, losing a significant portion of their purse.* KKR retains Narine and three others, with Russell and Iyer likely to depart.* LSG retains Pooran and four others, with Rahul's future uncertain.* SRH retains Klaasen as their top earner, along with Cummins, Sharma, Head, and Reddy.

With the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 mega auction approaching, the focus intensifies on the retention strategies of the participating teams. Among the most anticipated decisions are those of Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings (CSK), two franchises with immense fan followings.According to reports, CSK has finalized its five retentions: MS Dhoni, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ravindra Jadeja, Shivam Dube, and Matheesha Pathirana. This move signals the departure of star players like Rachin Ravindra and Devon Conway. The retentions are estimated to cost CSK around Rs 65 crore from a total purse of Rs 120 crore.Meanwhile, speculation runs rampant regarding the retention plans of other teams. Former Indian captain MS Dhoni, who has led CSK to five IPL titles, has confirmed his participation in IPL 2025. He is expected to be retained for a mere Rs 4 crores due to a BCCI rule that classifies Indian players as "uncapped" if they have not played for the national team in the past five years.The IPL auction is known for its unpredictable nature, and Dhoni himself has acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding the process. "Everyone is a team owner now," he quipped at a recent event. "We should be prepared for whatever players they decide to purchase."As the October 31 deadline for releasing retention lists approaches, the IPL community eagerly awaits the official announcements. The mega auction promises to reshape the landscape of the league, with several big names likely to be released and new stars emerging.

MS Dhoni, the legendary Indian wicketkeeper-batsman, is set to be retained by Chennai Super Kings (CSK) ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction. Along with Dhoni, CSK will also retain captain Ruturaj Gaikwad, all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja, batter Shivam Dube, and Sri Lankan fast bowler Matheesha Pathirana.The IPL has introduced a new rule that allows players who haven't played international cricket for five years to be considered in the uncapped category. This rule change benefits Dhoni, who hasn't played for India since the 2019 ODI World Cup. As a result, he is likely to be retained as an uncapped player, saving CSK a significant amount of money.The amounts CSK will pay to each retained player are yet to be confirmed, but they will lose at least INR 65 crore from their overall purse of INR 120 crore. The five retentions will leave them with one right-to-match option at the auction.The IPL has set minimum deductions from the auction purse for each player retained: INR 18 crore for the first player, INR 14 crore for the second, INR 11 crore for the third, INR 18 crore for the fourth, INR 14 crore for the fifth, and INR 4 crore for an uncapped player. However, franchises are free to pay more or less than these amounts to their retained players.The deadline for franchises to submit their list of retained players to the IPL is October 31. Teams are allowed to retain up to six players ahead of the mega auction, with a maximum of five capped internationals and two uncapped players.

KL Rahul, the seasoned Indian wicketkeeper-batter and former captain of Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), is reportedly set to leave the franchise ahead of the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) retention list. According to a report in the Times of India, Rahul has declined LSG's offer of top retention due to personal and professional reasons.Rahul's departure from LSG has sparked interest from several other franchises, including Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Gujarat Titans, Rajasthan Royals, and Chennai Super Kings. These teams are expected to aggressively pursue Rahul in the upcoming auction.Under the IPL retention guidelines, teams can retain up to six players, with financial penalties for each retained player. Retaining five capped players would reduce a team's auction purse by Rs 75 crore.The mega auction is scheduled to take place overseas in the last week of November, with an increased auction purse of Rs 120 crore. The total salary cap now includes an auction purse, incremental performance pay, and match fees.Rahul's decision to leave LSG is a significant development in the IPL landscape. The 31-year-old has been a consistent performer in the league, leading Punjab Kings and LSG in the past. His departure opens up opportunities for other players to step into leadership roles and for franchises to reshape their squads.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 retention list is set to be unveiled on October 31, and the Delhi Capitals are facing a pivotal decision regarding their star players. While Rishabh Pant, Kuldeep Yadav, and Axar Patel are widely expected to be retained, rumors have emerged that Pant could potentially be released into the auction pool.Former India and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) player Aakash Chopra has fueled these speculations, suggesting that Pant's availability in the auction could spark a bidding war. Chopra highlighted Pant's status as India's number one wicketkeeper, his ability to score quick runs, and his experience as an IPL captain as factors that would make him a highly sought-after player."If Rishabh Pant enters the auction pool, it will be massive," Chopra said. "He is a keeper-batter, and even though his T20 numbers have been inconsistent, he has the potential to be a game-changer. I can guarantee that his name will fetch a hefty sum in the auction."Pant's potential release would create a significant void in the Delhi Capitals' lineup. The franchise has yet to win an IPL title, and Pant has been a key figure in their recent campaigns. However, the team may be forced to consider other options if they believe that Pant's performances have not justified his high salary.Several teams are likely to be interested in acquiring Pant's services if he becomes available. Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), Punjab Kings, and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) are all in need of a wicketkeeper-batter, while Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Gujarat Titans could also be potential suitors.The IPL 2025 retention list will provide clarity on the future of Pant and other top players. If Pant does enter the auction pool, it will be one of the most significant developments in the history of the tournament.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 retention deadline looms on Thursday, sparking speculation and anticipation among fans and experts alike. While the BCCI and franchises remain tight-lipped, rumors have been swirling about which big names could find themselves in the mega auction.Former Indian skipper MS Dhoni, known for his witty remarks, recently addressed the ongoing discussions with a humorous quip. "Everyone is a team owner now," Dhoni said. "Whatever player they desire, whoever is going up for auction, and whoever they decide to purchase, we should be prepared for it. IPL auction works in mysterious ways."Dhoni, who led Chennai Super Kings to five IPL titles, has confirmed his participation in IPL 2025. The veteran wicket-keeper batter is expected to be retained by CSK for a mere Rs 4 crores, thanks to a BCCI rule that classifies Indian players who haven't played for the national team in the last five years as 'uncapped.'"People enter the auction, and there's the uncertainty of where you'll end up," Dhoni explained. "The most delightful aspect comes from the fans. They are the ones who make predictions on which team a certain player will end up with. Look, you find yourself in a market where all teams are well-funded.""Whoever acquires you, you will need to perform for them," Dhoni added. "That certainly is the beauty of the IPL auction. It's not simply a trade; rather, it involves one player being moved to another franchise. You have the freedom to go wherever you desire."The IPL auction is a highly anticipated event that brings together the best cricketers from around the world. With the retention deadline approaching, the excitement is building as fans eagerly await the unveiling of the final rosters.

IPL 2025 Retention Deadline: Key Questions AnsweredWith the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season approaching, franchises are gearing up for the mega auction. Before the retention deadline of October 31, 5pm IST, teams must finalize their list of retained players. Here are some key questions answered:Retention Limit and Cost:Each franchise can retain a maximum of six players from their 2024 squads, including five capped players (international cricketers) and two uncapped Indians. The retention costs are as follows:* First player: ₹18 crore* Second player: ₹14 crore* Third player: ₹11 crore* Fourth player: ₹18 crore* Fifth player: ₹14 crore* Uncapped Indian player: ₹4 croreRetention Pool Distribution:Franchises have a purse of ₹120 crore to build their teams. The ₹75 crore retention pool can be distributed among the five capped players as deemed fit. However, if the total retention cost exceeds ₹75 crore, the excess amount will be deducted from the overall purse.Right to Match (RTM) Card:Teams that retain less than six players will have RTM options to buy back players at the mega auction. Each RTM card allows a franchise to match the highest bid for a player they previously had. However, a new rule allows the bidding team to increase their offer after the RTM is used.Uncapped Player Definition:The IPL has revived a rule that allows capped Indian players who have retired or not played international cricket in the last five years to be categorized as uncapped players. This means teams can retain players like MS Dhoni as uncapped players at a cost of ₹4 crore.Player Refusal:Players have the right to refuse retention offers and enter the mega auction. Unlike the mini-auction, there are no player trades allowed between the retention deadline and the start of the 2025 season.Mega Auction Details:The IPL 2025 mega auction is expected to take place in the last week of November. It will be a two-day event where teams will bid for players who are not retained or released by their previous franchises.

IPL 2025: Lucknow Super Kings Retain Nicholas Pooran, Gujarat Titans Set to Keep Shubman GillAhead of the IPL 2025 mega auction, Lucknow Super Kings (LSG) and Gujarat Titans (GT) have made significant moves by retaining key players.Lucknow Super KingsLSG has retained West Indies wicket-keeper batter Nicholas Pooran for a whopping Rs 18 crore. Pooran, who joined LSG in 2023 for Rs 16 crore, is reportedly being considered as a potential replacement for KL Rahul as captain."Pooran is committed to LSG, possesses a winning mindset, thinks deep, and above all, he is adaptable to the batting order and any match situation," said an LSG official.In addition to Pooran, LSG is expected to retain Ravi Bishnoi, Mayank Yadav, Ayush Badoni, and Mohsin Khan. The franchise will enter the auction with a purse of Rs 69 crore.Gujarat TitansGT, the reigning IPL champions, are set to retain their captain Shubman Gill, star spinner Rashid Khan, and left-handed batter Sai Sudharsan. Uncapped hitters Rahul Tewatia and Shahrukh Khan are also likely to be retained."Shubman, Rashid, and Sai will be retained by the franchise," said an IPL source.Gill, who is seen as a future leader in Indian cricket, captained Titans for the first time in 2023. Rashid Khan has been a consistent performer for GT, taking 27 wickets in the 2023 season. Sudharsan had a breakout year in 2023, scoring 527 runs in 12 games.