Cricket

IPL 2025 Auction: Teams Likely to Get Five Retentions and Right-to-Match CardThe Indian Premier League (IPL) is considering allowing its ten franchises to retain up to five players each ahead of the 2025 auction, according to ESPNcricinfo. Additionally, teams will have the option to use one right-to-match card during the auction.The IPL is expected to finalize the retention rules soon, ahead of the mega auction for the 2025 season. It is still unclear how many Indian players can be retained or if there will be a limit on overseas players. The retention slabs and overall purse have also not been confirmed, but it is believed to be around INR 115-120 crore.The five-retention rule would provide teams with greater flexibility in building their squads. It would allow them to retain their core players and target specific players in the auction. The right-to-match card would give teams the opportunity to match the highest bid for a player they have released.The IPL has been experimenting with different retention rules in recent years. In the 2022 auction, teams were allowed to retain four players. This was reduced to three in the 2023 auction. The five-retention rule would be the most generous retention policy in IPL history.The IPL is one of the most popular cricket leagues in the world. It attracts top players from around the globe and generates significant revenue. The 2025 auction is expected to be one of the most competitive in IPL history, with teams looking to build strong squads for the upcoming season.

IPL Retention Debate: Raina and Rayudu Advocate for Increased Player RetentionAhead of the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) auction, former IPL stalwarts Suresh Raina and Ambati Rayudu have called for a significant increase in player retention. They argue that maintaining a stable core is essential for teams' success in the highly competitive tournament.During the last mega auction in 2022, IPL teams were permitted to retain up to four players. However, as the three-year cycle draws to a close, there is a growing consensus that this number is insufficient. Some teams are advocating for the retention of up to eight players, while others believe four or five would be more appropriate."Personally, I feel retentions have to be a lot more because a franchise invests a lot on players," said Rayudu. "The core of the team is what makes every team unique in the IPL. The longer the core remains, the culture of the team remains, and there is a greater chance of success."Raina, Rayudu's former Chennai Super Kings teammate, echoed these sentiments. "I 100 percent agree with Rayudu," he said. "The mega auction should be every three years. The IPL Governing Council will do what is best for the game."The issue of player retention has become a hot topic of discussion as franchises prepare for the next mega auction in December. Teams are eager to secure the services of their key players and build a strong foundation for the upcoming seasons.The IPL Governing Council is yet to make a decision on the number of players that can be retained. However, the views of Raina and Rayudu, two of the most experienced and successful players in IPL history, are likely to carry significant weight in the decision-making process.

Rinku Singh, the rising star of Indian cricket, has hinted at his preferred destination if not retained by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) ahead of the upcoming mega IPL auction. In an interview with Sports Tak, Rinku revealed that if KKR decide not to retain him, his next choice would be none other than Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)."I don't know anything yet. I haven't been told whether I will be retained or go into the auction. Let's see what happens," Rinku said when asked about his future with KKR. However, when pressed on which team he would prefer if not retained, he responded with a smile, "RCB."Rinku, who has been with KKR for several seasons, was part of the franchise's IPL 2024 title-winning squad. Despite a quieter season due to the 'Impact Player' rule limiting his opportunities, Rinku's potential as a dynamic finisher remains highly valued.In addition to discussing his potential move, Rinku also shared a good relationship with cricket legend Virat Kohli, who is synonymous with RCB."Virat bhaiya gave me a bat, which broke. I asked him for another one, and he didn't refuse. He gave me another bat. It's a big thing for me that he gave me a second bat," Rinku recounted, underscoring the respect and admiration he holds for Kohli.Rinku also touched upon his experience with Gautam Gambhir, the current head coach of the Indian team and his mentor during the IPL. He revealed that Gambhir, known for his serious demeanor on the field, also knows how to unwind after the game."He is very serious about the game...but after the match is over, he enjoys himself. It's not like he's always serious," Rinku shared.As the IPL auction draws nearer, Rinku's comments have sparked speculation about a possible move to RCB, a franchise known for its passionate fan base and star-studded lineup.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) auction of 2024 witnessed unprecedented bidding wars, with Australian pacers Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc fetching record-breaking sums. SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) acquired Cummins for Rs 20.5 crore, while Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) outbid them with a staggering Rs 24.75 crore for Starc.While some fans and experts questioned the astronomical prices, both players justified their worth with exceptional performances. Starc, despite a relatively quiet group stage, delivered match-winning spells in the Qualifier 1 and final. Cummins, as SRH captain, led his team to the final, where they narrowly lost to Starc's KKR.However, in a recent interview, Starc admitted that he and Cummins were "a bit overpaid." He revealed that they had a laugh about it, saying, "We played the first game and nine weeks later we play again in finals. Suddenly it goes from 2 overpaid guys to these 2 are playing the final."Despite their high price tags, Starc and Cummins proved their value on the field. Their performances highlighted the importance of quality fast bowling in T20 cricket. However, former Australian pacer Brett Lee believes that India's Jasprit Bumrah is currently the best bowler across all formats.Lee praised Bumrah's pace, swing, and leadership abilities. He said, "He is the best bowler in all formats right now and leads the attack. Bumrah can keep up an amazing pace while shaping the new ball away. His tournament performance demonstrated his leadership abilities, taking about 15 wickets with remarkable economy. He is absolutely exceptional, and India is deserving of praise for their accomplishments."The IPL auction and the subsequent performances of Starc, Cummins, and Bumrah have sparked discussions about the value of fast bowlers in modern cricket. While high prices may raise eyebrows, the impact of these bowlers on their teams' success cannot be denied.

RCB's Decision to Release Chahal: A Strategic Gamble with Mixed ResultsFormer Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) director of cricket, Mike Hesson, has shed light on the franchise's decision to release leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal ahead of the IPL 2022 season auction. Chahal, who recently achieved the historic milestone of 200 IPL wickets, was a key member of RCB for eight seasons.Hesson explained that the decision to not retain Chahal was primarily driven by financial considerations. By retaining only three players, RCB gained an additional four crore rupees to spend in the auction, which they hoped to use to acquire both Chahal and pacer Harshal Patel.However, RCB's plans were disrupted when Chahal's name emerged late in the auction, coinciding with their pursuit of Sri Lankan spin all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga. RCB prioritized Hasaranga, who was available earlier in the auction, and inadvertently missed out on Chahal."Yuzi (Chahal) is one I will be frustrated with until I have finished my career and probably beyond. He is an outstanding bowler," Hesson admitted.Chahal's departure from RCB has been a mixed bag for both the player and the franchise. Chahal has continued to excel with the Rajasthan Royals, claiming 61 wickets in 39 matches. RCB, on the other hand, have struggled to find a consistent replacement for Chahal, with their spin attack often proving to be a weak link.Despite the strategic rationale behind Chahal's release, Hesson acknowledged that it was a difficult decision to make. "It's a tough one because you're losing a quality player," he said. "But at the end of the day, you have to make decisions that you think are best for the team."