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With the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season approaching, franchises have already begun shaping their squads by declaring retained players ahead of the highly anticipated mega auction. All ten teams have carefully crafted retention strategies to ensure a competitive edge going into the new season.
Top players released as teams prepare for mega auction
Each franchise was allowed to hold onto a maximum of five capped players, two uncapped players, and up to six in total. Teams that opted for fewer retentions gain the advantage of extra Right-to-Match (RTM) cards and a larger budget for the upcoming auction.
Franchises have released several high-profile players in preparation for the upcoming mega auction. The strategic decision to release top players is aimed at rebalancing team rosters and capitalizing on additional RTM cards, which allow them to potentially re-sign key players while expanding their auction budgets.
Notable names like Rishabh Pant, KL Rahul, and Shreyas Iyer will now enter the auction pool, heightening the excitement as teams look to secure these star players. This move not only opens up opportunities for teams to strengthen their squads but also ensures a competitive and unpredictable bidding process that is likely to shape the league’s dynamics for the 2025 season.
Also READ: 5 teams who can target KL Rahul in the IPL 2025 mega auction
Best playing XI of players who have been released ahead of IPL 2025 auction
1. Rahmanullah Gurbaz – Aggressive opener
- IPL 2024 Price: INR 50 lakh
- 2024 Performance: 62 runs in 2 matches, averaging 22.23 with a strike rate of 133.80
- Strength: Known for his fearless and aggressive batting at the top, Gurbaz can set the tone with his quick runs, often giving his team an early advantage. His strike rate reflects his ability to put bowlers under pressure right from the start, making him an ideal opener in T20 cricket. His power-hitting and tendency to target the boundary consistently can unsettle even seasoned bowling attacks.
2. KL Rahul – Reliable top-order batter
- IPL 2024 Price: INR 17 crore
- 2024 Performance: 520 runs in 14 matches, averaging 37.14 with a strike rate of 136.13
- Strength: A technically sound and adaptable batter, KL Rahul provides reliability and flexibility. His skill to anchor the innings while maintaining a healthy strike rate makes him a valuable asset in any T20 lineup. Known for his composure under pressure, Rahul can seamlessly shift gears, allowing him to play both anchor and aggressive roles depending on the situation. His experience in pressure situations also adds value in big games.
3. Rishabh Pant (wk) – Dynamic wicketkeeper-batter
- IPL 2024 Price: INR 16 crore
- 2024 Performance: 446 runs in 13 games, averaging 40.55 with a strike rate of 155.40
- Strength: Pant’s explosive middle-order batting combined with his aggressive wicketkeeping style brings a unique energy to the team. As a left-hander, he adds a strategic advantage, creating challenging matchups for opposition bowlers. Known for his audacious shot selection, Pant can accelerate the scoring rate rapidly and shift the game’s momentum in a few overs. His experience in pressure situations has honed his ability to execute big shots and handle high-stakes moments.
4. Venkatesh Iyer – Versatile all-rounder
- IPL 2024 Price: INR 8 crore
- 2024 Performance: 370 runs in 14 games, averaging 46.25 with a strike rate of 155.80
- Strength: As a versatile all-rounder, Iyer provides depth in both batting and bowling. His ability to clear the boundary consistently adds firepower, particularly in the lower middle order. Additionally, his handy medium pace allows him to be a key asset in the bowling attack, particularly in conditions that favor seam. This dual role enables him to contribute significantly across all stages of the game, making him a valuable T20 player.
5. Shreyas Iyer (c) – Dependable middle-order batter and captain
- IPL 2024 Price: INR 12.25 crore
- 2024 Performance: 351 runs in 14 games, averaging 39.00 with a strike rate of 146.86
- Strength: Iyer’s steady batting and captaincy skills bring stability and leadership to the lineup. His ability to handle pressure and build innings makes him a reliable middle-order option, and his experience as a leader provides strategic insights on and off the field. Known for his ability to rotate strike and find gaps, he can adapt to challenging conditions and maintain the team’s momentum. Iyer’s calm demeanor under pressure has proven instrumental in crucial moments.
6. David Miller – Explosive finisher
- IPL 2024 Price: INR 3 crore
- 2024 Performance: 210 runs in 9 games, averaging 35.00 with a strike rate of 151.08
- Strength: Renowned as a finishing specialist, Miller’s big-hitting prowess in the death overs makes him one of the most dangerous T20 players. His ability to score quick runs with powerful shots, even against top bowlers, provides his team with an edge in tight chases or when setting targets. Miller’s experience in high-pressure moments adds a layer of dependability in the closing stages of the innings, where he often shines as a match-winner.
7. Washington Sundar – Spin-bowling all-rounder
- IPL 2024 Price: INR 8.75 crore
- 2024 Performance: 1 wicket in 2 games, best of 1/46
- Strength: Sundar’s spin-bowling skills and lower-order batting make him a valuable all-rounder. His control and accuracy with the ball allow him to restrict runs and take key wickets, particularly in the powerplay overs. His economic bowling under pressure makes him an asset, while his ability to contribute with the bat adds depth to the lineup. Sundar’s versatility helps balance the team, allowing flexibility in both bowling and batting combinations.
8. Yuzvendra Chahal – Experienced spinner
- IPL 2024 Price: INR 6.50 crore
- 2024 Performance: 18 wickets in 15 games, best of 3/18
- Strength: Chahal’s experience and tactical leg-spin make him a vital wicket-taking option in the middle overs. Known for his ability to deceive batters with variations in flight, speed, and turn, he can break partnerships and derail the opposition’s scoring rate. His aggression and knack for targeting key players make him effective in T20 formats, and his ability to maintain composure under pressure is an added advantage.
9. Mitchell Starc – Premier left-arm pacer
- IPL 2024 Price: INR 24.75 crore
- 2024 Performance: 17 wickets in 14 games, best of 4/33
- Strength: As one of the most feared left-arm fast bowlers, Starc brings exceptional pace, swing, and accuracy, especially deadly in both powerplay and death overs. His ability to bowl pinpoint yorkers consistently makes him a go-to option in high-stakes moments, often limiting opposition runs when it matters most. Starc’s skill in reversing the ball at high speeds makes him a significant threat, capable of dismantling top batting lineups.
10. Kagiso Rabada – South African fast-bowling mainstay
- IPL 2024 Price: INR 9.25 crore
- 2024 Performance: 11 wickets in 14 games, best of 2/18
- Strength: Known for his speed, accuracy, and ability to generate bounce, Rabada is a world-class fast bowler with the skill to challenge any batter. His relentless aggression and disciplined lines make him a valuable asset in both powerplay and middle overs. Rabada’s ability to swing the ball, combined with his knack for picking up wickets regularly, allows him to control the game’s momentum and stifle scoring rates.
11. Arshdeep Singh – Promising Indian pacer
- IPL 2024 Price: INR 4 crore
- 2024 Performance: 19 wickets in 14 games, best of 2/18
- Strength: Arshdeep’s calmness and ability to deliver under pressure, especially in the death overs, make him a standout T20 bowler. His accuracy and clever use of slower balls, cutters, and yorkers allow him to keep batsmen guessing and limit runs in critical moments. Known for his ability to contain batters in the slog overs, Arshdeep’s variations and adaptability have established him as a reliable asset in any T20 setup.
