Here’s a look at the highest retained player from each of the 10 IPL teams ahead of the anticipated IPL 2025 mega auction later this month.
Heinrich Klaasen (Sunrisers Hyderabad, 23 crore)
Heinrich Klaasen has emerged as the most expensive retained player ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction, with a staggering retention fee of Rs 23 crore. The hard-hitting wicketkeeper-batter has played 35 IPL matches, scoring nearly 1,000 runs at an impressive strike rate of 168.31. In IPL 2024, Klaasen excelled with 479 runs in 16 innings, including four half-centuries and a strike rate of 171.07.
Virat Kohli (Royal Challengers Bengaluru, 21 crore)
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have retained team icon Virat Kohli for 21 crore. Despite retiring from international T20s after India’s World Cup victory, RCB believes Kohli still has much to offer. There are speculations about his potential return as captain for the 2025 season.
Nicholas Pooran (Lucknow Super Giants, 21 crore)
Lucknow Super Giants have made Nicholas Pooran their most expensive retention, parting ways with KL Rahul after three seasons. Pooran, a powerful wicketkeeper-batter, has played 76 IPL games, scoring 1,769 runs at a strike rate of 162.29. Last season, he was the team’s second-highest run-scorer with 499 runs in 14 innings.
Jasprit Bumrah (Mumbai Indians, 18 crore)
Mumbai Indians have retained five players, with Jasprit Bumrah as their highest retention. The pace bowler has been with the team for over a decade, featuring in 133 matches and claiming 165 wickets, making him the ninth-highest wicket-taker in IPL history.
Ruturaj Gaikwad And Ravindra Jadeja (Chennai Super Kings, 18 crore)
Chennai Super Kings have retained captain Ruturaj Gaikwad and star all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja at Rs 18 crore each. Gaikwad took over the captaincy from MS Dhoni in 2024 and has scored 2,380 runs in 66 matches. Jadeja, a long-time asset, is the 10th-highest wicket-taker in IPL history with 160 wickets.
Rashid Khan (Gujarat Titans, 18 crore)
Gujarat Titans have retained their skipper Shubman Gill but made Rashid Khan their most expensive retention at Rs 18 crore. The Afghan leg-spinner has been with the team since its inception and has taken 149 wickets in 121 matches.
Sanju Samson (Rajasthan Royals, 18 crore)
Rajasthan Royals have retained their inspirational captain Sanju Samson for Rs 18 crore. Since his debut in 2013, Samson has played 167 matches, scoring 4,419 runs. He led the Royals to the IPL 2022 final and was the team’s second-highest run-scorer last season with 531 runs.
Axar Patel (Delhi Capitals, 16.5 crore)
Delhi Capitals have released former captain Rishabh Pant but retained all-rounder Axar Patel at Rs 16.5 crore, making him their most expensive retention. Axar has played 150 matches, scoring 1,653 runs and taking 123 wickets, showcasing his all-round capabilities.
Rinku Singh (Kolkata Knight Riders, 13 crore)
Kolkata Knight Riders have opted to release captain Shreyas Iyer and star player Mitchell Starc while retaining Rinku Singh, known for his explosive batting. Rinku has made a name for himself with 893 runs in 45 matches, including 168 runs in IPL 2024.
