Table of Contents
As the countdown to the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 mega auction intensifies, teams are diligently preparing their retention lists to submit to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) by October 31. The retention deadline is prompting franchises to carefully assess their rosters in an effort to maintain a competitive edge.
Teams can retain a maximum of six players, including up to five capped and two uncapped players. Among the franchises, Delhi Capitals (DC) are generating considerable buzz as they strategize to retain pivotal players essential for their success in the upcoming season.
Harbhajan Singh provides insights on Delhi Capitals’ retentions
Recently, former Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh shared his insights on potential retentions for the Delhi Capitals. One of the focal points of discussion was the uncertainty surrounding skipper Rishabh Pant‘s future with the team. Pant, who recently engaged with fans on social media about his auction value, has been a standout performer for DC.
“About Delhi Capitals, we have heard a lot of things around whether Rishabh Pant will be retained or not. Only time will tell. But if I were a part of the management, I would definitely retain him,” Harbhajan stated during a discussion on Star Sports.
Rishabh Pant’s stellar performance
Pant had an impressive IPL 2024 season, finishing as the highest run scorer for Delhi with 446 runs from 13 innings at an average of 40.54, including three half-centuries. His consistent performance under pressure makes a compelling case for his retention.
Also READ: Delhi Capitals appoints new head coach ahead of IPL 2025 mega auction
Harbhajan’s proposed retention list
In addition to Pant, Harbhajan also identified four more players he believes should be retained by Delhi Capitals:
- Axar Patel – A versatile all-rounder known for his impactful contributions with both bat and ball.
- Tristan Stubbs – A young talent with the potential to shine in the IPL.
- Jake Fraser-McGurk – A promising player who has shown great promise in previous outings.
- Mitchell Marsh – An experienced all-rounder who adds depth to the team.
“Pant should be the first retention, followed by Axar Patel, then Tristan Stubbs. The fourth retention, as I see it, should be Jake Fraser-McGurk; and if you want to retain a fifth player, it could be Mitchell Marsh,” Harbhajan elaborated.
Fans expect DC to end title drought in IPL 2025
With the IPL 2025 season on the horizon, fans of the Delhi Capitals are hopeful that the team will finally break their title drought. Having reached the finals in 2020, supporters believe that retaining key players, as highlighted by Harbhajan, will be pivotal in building a championship-winning squad. The enthusiasm among fans is palpable, as they eagerly anticipate a successful campaign that could see DC lift their first IPL trophy.
