The Indian Premier League (IPL) is set to host its next mega auction in 2025, and franchises are already preparing their player retention strategies. The IPL Governing Council recently announced new rules allowing teams to retain a maximum of six players, a significant change that will impact roster decisions. Teams can also utilize the Right to Match (RTM) option if they want to retain players who are not in their initial retention list. This flexibility allows for a mix of Indian and foreign players, but with a cap of five capped players. The Impact Player rule will remain in place, and the team purse has been increased to Rs. 120 crore, up from Rs. 100 crore in the previous season.
With the mega auction looming, teams are carefully evaluating their squads and identifying crucial players they can’t afford to lose. Here are five international players who are likely to be hot commodities in the auction:
1. Jos Buttler – Rajasthan Royals:
Jos Buttler has become an IPL legend, consistently delivering impactful performances for the Rajasthan Royals. He has amassed an impressive 3,582 runs at an average of 38.11 and a strike rate of 147.53, solidifying his position as a dominant force in the league. While his performance dipped in the last two seasons, Buttler’s ability to anchor the innings and build partnerships remains crucial for the Royals. His partnership with Yashasvi Jaiswal has been a dominant force at the top of the order, and the team will be eager to retain this dynamic duo.
2. Nicholas Pooran – Lucknow Super Giants:
Nicholas Pooran is recognized as one of the most destructive T20 batters in the world, renowned for his ability to finish matches with explosive power-hitting. His impactful performances extend beyond the IPL, showcasing his exceptional skills for the West Indies national team. In the previous season, Pooran had a standout campaign with the Lucknow Super Giants, scoring 499 runs at an impressive strike rate of 178.21. If he is not retained, Pooran is likely to be one of the most sought-after players in the upcoming auction.
3. Travis Head – Sunrisers Hyderabad:
Travis Head played a pivotal role in Sunrisers Hyderabad’s run to the IPL final in 2024, consistently providing explosive starts during the PowerPlay overs. He accumulated 567 runs at an impressive strike rate of 191.55, showcasing his remarkable ability to hit boundaries and put pressure on bowlers early in the innings. Head’s exceptional performances for Australia across various formats further enhance his value, making him a prime candidate for retention by SRH.
4. Rashid Khan – Gujarat Titans:
Rashid Khan’s impact on the IPL has been phenomenal. With 149 wickets in 121 matches and an astonishing economy rate of 6.82, he has consistently proven himself to be a game-changer with the ball. His contributions with the bat in the lower order further enhance his value as a complete player. While his performance in 2024 (10 wickets @8.40) was not as dominant as previous seasons, Rashid remains a marquee player and is a strong contender for retention.
5. Matheesha Pathirana – Chennai Super Kings:
Matheesha Pathirana’s performance in IPL 2024 was hampered by injuries, limiting him to just six matches. Despite the reduced playing time, the slingy pacer has taken 34 wickets in 20 matches, showcasing his potential as a deadly bowler. His ability to bowl at the death overs makes him a valuable asset for CSK, and they are unlikely to release him in the auction.
The IPL 2025 mega auction promises to be an exciting event, with teams seeking to build strong squads for the upcoming season. The five players highlighted above are just a few of the international players who are likely to be in high demand, making the auction a battleground for top talent. With the new retention rules and the increased team purse, the competition for these players is likely to be fierce, making for a captivating auction that fans won’t want to miss.