The Indian Premier League (IPL) is gearing up for its 2025 season, with the mega-auction just around the corner. As franchises prepare their retention strategies, the demand for top-notch death bowlers has become paramount. With batsmen hitting more boundaries than ever before, teams are looking to solidify their bowling lineups by securing the services of elite bowlers who can deliver under pressure in the final overs.
The IPL 2025 retention rules allow franchises to retain up to six players through a combination of direct retentions and the Right to Match (RTM) option. This gives teams the flexibility to build a strong core while also exploring new talent.
Here’s a look at five death bowlers who should be top contenders for retention, based on their exceptional performances in recent IPL seasons:
1. Jasprit Bumrah (Mumbai Indians):
Bumrah consistently ranks among the best bowlers in the world, and his dominance in the IPL is undeniable. In the last three seasons, he’s been a force to be reckoned with, claiming 18 wickets at an impressive average of 14.27. His ability to control the death overs is exceptional, with an economy rate of just 7.10 and a remarkable ability to limit boundaries. Only 11.52% of his deliveries have been hit for fours or sixes, and his dot-ball percentage stands at 34.1%. It’s highly likely that Mumbai Indians will prioritize retaining Bumrah as a cornerstone of their bowling attack.
2. Arshdeep Singh (Punjab Kings):
Arshdeep Singh has emerged as a force to be reckoned with, proving himself to be a top-class fast bowler not only in the IPL but also in international T20 cricket. He excels in the death overs, where he has consistently maintained an economy rate of 9.62 since 2022. He has also snagged 22 wickets in the final five overs, highlighting his ability to take wickets under pressure. His dot-ball percentage of 29.6 and the fact that only 20% of his deliveries have been hit for boundaries underscore his control and accuracy in this crucial phase of the game.
3. Harshal Patel (Royal Challengers Bangalore):
Harshal Patel has been a dominant force in the death overs, claiming the most wickets in this phase over the last three IPL seasons (37). Across 393 deliveries in the final five overs, he has maintained an impressive economy rate of 10.10, demonstrating his ability to keep runs in check while remaining a threat to the batsmen. His dot-ball percentage of 33.3 is testament to his consistency, and he has conceded boundaries on just 20% of his deliveries. His strong performances make him a prime candidate for retention or RTM by the Royal Challengers Bangalore.
4. Yash Dayal (Royal Challengers Bangalore):
Yash Dayal has consistently been a top performer in all formats over the past year, establishing himself as a key bowler for the Royal Challengers Bangalore in IPL 2024. Since 2022, he has bowled 163 deliveries in the final five overs, striking every 13.5 balls, a testament to his effectiveness and consistency. His economy rate of 10.49 and a dot-ball percentage of 30% further highlight his ability to control the game. His recent strong performances and form make him an attractive option for retention or RTM by RCB.
5. Matheesha Pathirana (Chennai Super Kings):
Chennai Super Kings have reaped the benefits of adding young Sri Lankan pacer Matheesha Pathirana to their squad over the last three years. He has delivered 38.2% dot balls in 259 deliveries and conceded boundaries on only 15.83% of his deliveries, making him a difficult bowler to score off. His impressive economy rate of 8.36 in the final five overs makes him a strong contender for retention by CSK.
With these five death bowlers showcasing exceptional skills and consistently delivering in the high-pressure moments of the IPL, their retention is crucial for the success of their respective teams. It will be interesting to see how franchises strategize their retentions and prioritize securing these valuable assets as they prepare for the IPL 2025 mega-auction.