Cricket

With the Indian Premier League (IPL) Player Regulations for 2025-27 announced, franchises are gearing up to make crucial decisions regarding player retention. Former India batsman Mohammad Kaif has urged Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) to seize the opportunity to acquire Rohit Sharma as their captain if the chance arises.Rohit Sharma, the former Mumbai Indians (MI) skipper, was replaced by Hardik Pandya ahead of the 2024 season. However, the move proved unsuccessful as MI failed to qualify for the playoffs. Kaif believes that Rohit's leadership skills could be the key to ending RCB's title drought."Rohit Sharma turns a player from an 18 to a 20," Kaif said in a video circulating on social media. "He knows how to get the best out of a player by putting an arm around him."Kaif highlighted Rohit's tactical acumen and ability to identify the right players for specific roles in the team. "He understands the tactical moves, knows which player to fit where in the playing eleven," Kaif added.According to the IPL Player Regulations, franchises can retain a maximum of six players, including five capped players and two uncapped players. RCB currently has Virat Kohli, Glenn Maxwell, Dinesh Karthik, Shahbaz Ahmed, and Wanindu Hasaranga as their retained players.Kohli, who has been with RCB since the league's inception, has been the team's top scorer in recent seasons. However, he has yet to lead the franchise to an IPL title. Kaif believes that Rohit's experience and leadership qualities could make a significant difference for RCB."If RCB gets a chance, they should definitely take Rohit Sharma as captain," Kaif concluded.

Chennai Super Kings Can Retain MS Dhoni as Uncapped Player Under Revived IPL RuleThe Indian Premier League (IPL) has reinstated a rule that allows Indian players who have retired from international cricket for at least five years to enter the auction as uncapped players. This rule, which was initially implemented in 2008 but scrapped in 2021, has opened up the possibility for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) to retain their former captain and talisman, MS Dhoni, as an uncapped player.According to the retention rules shared with franchises, an Indian player who has not played in the starting XI of an international match or does not have a central contract with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for five years preceding the relevant season will be considered uncapped. This rule applies exclusively to Indian players.Ahead of the 2022 mega auction, CSK retained Dhoni as their second player for INR 12 crore. However, if they choose to retain him as an uncapped player, his salary would be reduced to INR 4 crore.Dhoni, who turned 43 in July, has only played in the IPL since retiring from international cricket in 2020. His future as a player has been the subject of speculation in recent seasons, especially after he underwent knee surgery in 2023 and handed over the CSK captaincy to Ruturaj Gaikwad ahead of IPL 2024.At a recent event, Dhoni indicated that he and CSK would wait for the finalization of the player retention rules before making a decision on his future as a player. The revived rule could provide CSK with a cost-effective way to retain their iconic captain and extend his playing career.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) is gearing up for its next mega auction, scheduled for November or December 2025. This highly anticipated event will witness a significant shift in player retention rules, with franchises reportedly allowed to retain up to five players ahead of the auction.According to sources close to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), the decision to increase the retention limit from four to five players aims to provide greater flexibility to franchises in building their squads. However, the Right To Match (RTM) option will not be available in this mega auction.This change in retention rules is expected to have a major impact on team strategies. Mumbai Indians, for instance, could potentially retain their star-studded lineup of Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, and a fifth player of their choice.The IPL has held two mega auctions in the past decade, with four-year intervals in between. The first major auction was held in 2014, followed by the 2018 auction that marked the return of Rajasthan Royals and Chennai Super Kings after their two-year suspensions.The 2021 mega auction was postponed by a year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in teams extending the contracts of their players for an additional year. The upcoming IPL mega sale is likely to be a two-day affair, similar to the previous auctions held in 2022, 2023, and 2024.While some franchises advocate for a larger retention cap of up to eight players, others prefer the existing limit of four or five. The optimal number of retained players remains a topic of debate among IPL teams.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 auction is fast approaching, and franchises are eagerly awaiting the release of retention and release guidelines from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). While the BCCI is expected to limit teams to retaining a maximum of six players, including Right To Match, some franchises are hoping for an increase to eight.One of the biggest questions surrounding the auction is the future of MS Dhoni, who has been a mainstay for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK). CSK has reportedly suggested that the BCCI reinstate an old rule that would allow them to retain Dhoni as a mentor.Despite the uncertainty surrounding retention guidelines, reports have emerged highlighting the players that different franchises are interested in keeping. However, with only a limited number of players allowed to be retained, several top names could be released.Here are five cricketing superstars who could be released by their respective franchises ahead of the mega auction:1. Rohit Sharma: The Mumbai Indians captain has hinted that the 2024 season could be his last with the franchise. With Hardik Pandya now leading the team, Sharma may be on the lookout for a new side.2. KL Rahul: The Lucknow Super Kings are reportedly seeking a new captain, and Rahul's inability to dictate the game has put his position in jeopardy. He could potentially return to his former franchise, Royal Challengers Bangalore.3. Faf du Plessis: The RCB skipper had a disappointing campaign last season, and at 40 years old, his best days in T20 cricket may be behind him. RCB is expected to rope in a new captain and release du Plessis.4. Venkatesh Iyer: The Kolkata Knight Riders have a tough decision to make regarding Iyer, who has fallen out of favor after a title-winning campaign. With several other key players to retain, Iyer could be released.5. Glenn Maxwell: After a poor season with RCB, Maxwell could also be on his way out. The franchise may prefer to invest in a player who guarantees a better performance.The IPL 2025 auction promises to be a major shake-up for several franchises, and these five superstars could find themselves in new colors next season.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) is gearing up for its next mega auction, scheduled to take place in late November or early December 2025. The Board for Cricket Council of India (BCCI) is expected to release the rules and regulations for the auction in the coming days.The IPL has held two mega auctions in the past decade, with four-year intervals between them. The first major auction was held in 2014, followed by another in 2018, when the Rajasthan Royals and Chennai Super Kings returned to the league after a two-year suspension.Sources close to the BCCI have confirmed that the upcoming mega auction is likely to be held over two days, similar to the 2022, 2023, and 2024 auctions. The auction will allow teams to rebuild their squads and acquire new talent ahead of the 2025 season.One of the key considerations for the auction is the number of players that teams will be allowed to retain. In the 2022 mega auction, teams were permitted to retain up to four players. However, there are differing opinions among franchises about the optimal number of retained players for the 2025 auction. Some teams advocate for a larger retention cap, possibly up to eight players, while others prefer the existing limit of four or five.The BCCI is expected to finalize the retention rules and other auction details in the coming weeks. The auction will be a crucial event for the IPL, as it will shape the composition of teams and the competitive landscape of the league for the next three years.

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.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 auction is poised to be a transformative event, with the potential to reshape the landscape of the tournament. As teams prepare to release and retain players, the focus has turned to the number of retentions allowed and the fate of star players like Rohit Sharma.Mumbai Indians, the most successful franchise in IPL history, face a dilemma. They possess a formidable core of Suryakumar Yadav, Rohit Sharma, Hardik Pandya, and Jasprit Bumrah. However, retaining all four players could prove challenging under the new retention rules.Amidst the speculation, rumors have emerged that Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) are willing to offer Rohit Sharma a staggering Rs 50 crore salary package. However, LSG owner Sanjiv Goenka has dismissed these claims, questioning the feasibility of such a move."Whether Mumbai Indians will release Rohit Sharma or not, whether he is coming to the auction or not, even if he comes if you are going to use 50 per cent of your salary cap on one player, how will you manage the other 22 players?" Goenka asked.Goenka acknowledged that all franchises have wishlists, but emphasized the importance of practicality. "You want the best player, the best captain to be in your team. It is not about wanting. What you have got and what is available. What can you do with that. This is that thing. I can want anyone but the same goes for all the franchises. You will not get everyone," he said.The IPL 2025 auction promises to be a fascinating affair, with teams weighing their options and making strategic decisions that could shape their fortunes for years to come. The fate of Rohit Sharma and other star players remains uncertain, adding to the intrigue surrounding this mega event.

Could MS Dhoni Return as an Uncapped Player for CSK in IPL 2025?During a recent meeting between the IPL and its ten franchises, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) proposed the reintroduction of a rule that could allow retired international players to be classified as uncapped players. This rule, which existed from 2008 to 2021, would significantly reduce the cost of retaining such players.CSK is reportedly keen on retaining MS Dhoni, who retired from international cricket in 2020, as an uncapped player. If the IPL approves this proposal, Dhoni could be retained for a mere INR 4 crore, compared to the INR 12 crore he cost CSK in 2022.However, the majority of other franchises are opposed to this move. They argue that it would disrespect retired internationals and set a wrong precedent, as uncapped players bought at the auction could earn more than former internationals retained as uncapped players.Sunrisers Hyderabad owner Kavya Maran believes that retired players should be part of the auction, where their value would be determined by the market. Other franchises also expressed the view that former internationals should not be considered uncapped regardless of their retirement status.The question of Dhoni's future in the IPL remains uncertain. After undergoing knee surgery in 2023, he stepped down as CSK captain and played a limited role with the bat. Dhoni has stated that he will wait for the player retention rules to be finalized before making a decision on playing in 2025.Meanwhile, the franchises unanimously agreed that Indian players who have not played international cricket for five years should be allowed to lower their base price at the auction. This move aims to increase the chances of such players being bought at the auction.

MS Dhoni, the legendary Indian cricketer and former captain of the Chennai Super Kings (CSK), is adopting a cautious approach regarding his future in the Indian Premier League (IPL). With the IPL governing council currently formulating plans for the 2025 season, including auction and retention strategies, Dhoni is keen to observe the rule changes, particularly those related to player retention, before making a decision on his participation."There is ample time for that," said Dhoni, who recently turned 43, at an event in Hyderabad. "We need to ascertain the decisions they make on player retention and other matters. Currently, the decision-making authority lies with them.""Once the rules and regulations are finalized, I will make a decision that aligns with the best interests of the team," he added.The IPL governing council recently convened a meeting with franchise owners and officials in Mumbai to discuss various rule changes. Among the topics on the agenda were the Impact Player rule, the number of players to be retained, and the frequency of the mega auction.Questions about Dhoni's IPL future have been raised consistently over the past few years. Earlier this year, he addressed one aspect of these concerns by handing over the CSK captaincy to Ruturaj Gaikwad before the start of the season.Under Gaikwad's leadership, CSK narrowly missed out on a playoff berth, finishing fifth on the table with 14 points, equal to RCB but behind on net run rate.During the previous season, Dhoni assumed the role of a six-hitting specialist in the death overs. He typically entered the crease in the final stages of the CSK innings and amassed 13 sixes and 14 fours in the 73 balls he faced, resulting in a boundary every three balls. His impressive strike rate of 220.54 marked the first season where he surpassed 200, and he remained unbeaten in eight of his 11 innings.