IPL 2025 Retention: Klassen, Virat, Pooran fetch big bucks; KL Rahul, Shreyas Iyer set to feature in mega auction

The Indian Premier League (IPL) franchises have announced their retained players ahead of the Mega Auction 2025.

The anticipation over the weekend was top-notch among fans, and all of the teams have used a strategic approach to develop a solid foundation and prepare for a dramatic auction. Most franchises have chosen to keep their key players. Nonetheless, there are also some shocks as some teams have released players to make room for new signings and tactical flexibility.

Heinrich Klaasen was the biggest earner on the retention lists, with Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) paying him INR 23 crore to retain his services. Virat Kohli and Nicholas Pooran were right behind, with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) giving them INR 21 crore apiece.

Moreover, several prominent individuals will be looking for new homes at the auction. Among those freed are Shreyas Iyer, Rishabh Pant, KL Rahul, Jos Buttler and Glenn Maxwell.

Ricky Ponting will have an enormous purse at this year’s auction, with INR 110.5 crore, as Punjab Kings (PBKS) kept the fewest players. With just three retentions, RCB would likewise have INR 83 crore on the table, while Delhi Capitals (DC) will have INR 73 crore. The Rajasthan-based unit will have just INR 41 crore to deal with, and there won’t be any RTM options either. Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) will both enter the auction with a roster of no more than six players.

Lets take a look at the list of players retained by each IPL teams:

Kolkata Knight Riders:

Sunrisers Hyderabad:

Chennai Super Kings:

Mumbai Indians:

Royal Challengers Bengaluru:

Delhi Capitals:

Lucknow Super Giants:

Gujarat Titans:

Punjab Kings:

Rajasthan Royals: