Cricket

The Indian Premier League (IPL) Governing Council has announced the retention rules for the upcoming 2025 mega auction. While franchises can retain a maximum of six players, including one uncapped player, a significant twist has been introduced. The old rule, which was in place from 2008 to 2022, has been reinstated, allowing Indian players who haven't played an international game in over five years to be retained as 'uncapped players.'This rule opens up the possibility for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) to retain legendary captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni for a nominal fee. According to the BCCI, "A capped Indian player will become uncapped, if the player has in the last five calendar years preceding the year in which the relevant Season is held, not played in the starting XI in International Cricket (Test match, ODI, Twenty20 International) or does not have a Central Contract with BCCI."In addition to Dhoni, several other Indian players who have represented the national team but meet the uncapped criteria include:* Piyush Chawla (Mumbai Indians)* Sandeep Sharma (Rajasthan Royals)* Rishi Dhawan (Punjab Kings)* Mayank Markande (Sunrisers Hyderabad)* Vijay Shankar (Gujarat Titans)* Mohit Sharma (Gujarat Titans)* Amit Mishra (Lucknow Super Giants)* Karn Sharma (Royal Challengers Bengaluru)This rule change provides franchises with greater flexibility in their retention strategies. It allows them to retain experienced players who may not be regular international fixtures but still possess valuable skills and experience.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) has unveiled new retention rules for the upcoming season, allowing franchises to retain a maximum of six players. Delhi Capitals (DC) have begun deliberations on their potential retentions, with co-owner Parth Jindal confirming the retention of star wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant.Jindal revealed that other players under consideration for retention include Axar Patel, Tristan Stubbs, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Kuldeep Yadav, Abishek Porel, Mukesh Kumar, and Khaleel Ahmed. According to the IPL Player Regulations, franchises can retain up to five capped players (Indian or overseas) and two uncapped players through retention or the Right to Match (RTM) option."We have some very good players in our team," said Jindal. "The rules have just come out, so after discussing with co-owners GMR and our director of cricket, Sourav Ganguly, decisions will be made."DC have yet to win the IPL since its inception in 2008. Jindal expressed optimism about the team's chances in the upcoming season, stating, "We'll see what happens in the auction. As per the rule, we can retain six players. Those discussions will be held first."The new retention rules provide DC with flexibility in building a competitive squad. With a strong core of players to retain, the franchise can target specific areas of improvement in the auction. The retention of Pant, a key figure in the Indian national team, is a significant boost for DC.

RCB's Retention Strategy: RP Singh Advises Prioritizing Virat KohliFormer Indian pacer RP Singh has urged Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) to prioritize retaining Virat Kohli ahead of the upcoming IPL 2025 auction. With the announcement of IPL retention rules allowing franchises to retain up to six players or re-acquire players through RTMs (Right to Match), Singh believes Kohli should remain a cornerstone of the team.Singh suggests that RCB release all other players and utilize the RTM to reacquire valuable players like Mohammed Siraj and Rajat Patidar. He argues that these players can be acquired for less than their potential auction value, allowing RCB to build a strong team around Kohli."I feel they don't have any problem. They will just retain Virat Kohli, release everyone else, and use the RTM. If we see the value taking Rajat Patidar as an example, will we get him for more or less than 11 crores at the auction?" Singh said."I feel you will get Rajat Patidar for fewer. So you get him back at the auction. Even if he reaches close to 11 crores, you have the RTM which you can use there," he added.Singh believes that Siraj's performance may also warrant the use of the RTM, but he does not anticipate the pacer reaching a value close to 14 crores."Siraj, performance-wise, you will have to again judge whether you will get him close to 11 crores. I don't think Siraj will reach close to 14 crores. They will always have the option that if he reaches there, you can use the RTM," he said.Singh emphasizes that RCB should enter the auction with a fresh approach, focusing on building the team around Kohli. He believes that Kohli's contributions and value to the franchise make him an indispensable asset."So they should go with a new mindset. They need Virat, he has contributed a lot to the franchise, and Virat is the most important player as well. So they should think about building the team around him, or with a new thought. I don't see anyone else apart from Virat Kohli having a value of 18 or 14 crores in this team," Singh opined.