The upcoming IPL Mega Auction in November 2025 has added a unique twist with the return of the Right to Match (RTM) option. This decision, announced by the IPL Governing Council, has left the 10 franchises carefully planning their retentions. With each team allowed to retain up to six players, comprising a maximum of five capped (Indian or overseas) and two uncapped Indian players, here’s a breakdown of what could be expected from each team in the auction, especially regarding the RTM option.
Kolkata Knight Riders
Retention Choices:
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), the defending champions, have a tough decision to make. They are spoiled for choices with Andre Russell, Sunil Narine, Shreyas Iyer, Rinku Singh, Mitchell Starc, Harshit Rana, and Varun Chakravarthy as potential retentions.
RTM Strategy:
Kolkata are certain to retain their key players, Russell and Narine, along with rising star Rinku Singh. Shreyas Iyer may also make the list despite a challenging 2024 season as a batsman due to his leadership skills. For their uncapped players, Harshit Rana could be a choice, especially with his potential international debut on the horizon. KKR is likely to use their RTM option for Varun Chakravarthy, their trusted spinner.
Sunrisers Hyderabad
Retention Choices:
Sunrisers Hyderabad have fewer concerns with retention. The likely picks include Travis Head, Heinrich Klaasen, Pat Cummins, and Abhishek Sharma.
RTM Strategy:
The team is expected to utilize their RTM for two Indian pacers – Bhuvneshwar Kumar and T Natarajan – both pivotal in their bowling attack.
Chennai Super Kings
Retention Choices:
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have welcomed the return of the ‘uncapped player’ rule, which allows them to retain their talismanic captain, MS Dhoni, albeit at a reduced pay cut (from INR 12 crore to INR 4 crore). Besides Dhoni, captain Ruturaj Gaikwad and all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja are expected to be retained.
RTM Strategy:
CSK will likely retain either Matheesha Pathirana or Shivam Dube, but their RTM card could be reserved for one of these two promising players.
Mumbai Indians
Retention Choices:
Mumbai Indians (MI) face several tough choices. Suryakumar Yadav and Jasprit Bumrah are guaranteed to be retained. Hardik Pandya, MI’s captain last season, will also make the cut, and Rohit Sharma, despite rumors of tension, is too valuable to let go.
RTM Strategy:
MI may opt to use the RTM for explosive players like Ishan Kishan and Tilak Varma. Uncapped players such as Nehal Wadhera or Nama Dhir might also be considered, reducing their purse for the auction.
Rajasthan Royals
Retention Choices:
The 2008 IPL champions are expected to retain key players like Sanju Samson, Jos Buttler, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Yuzvendra Chahal, and Sandeep Sharma, an uncapped player.
RTM Strategy:
Rajasthan Royals are likely to use the RTM for Riyan Parag, an all-rounder who has shown glimpses of brilliance in the past few seasons.
Royal Challengers Bangalore
Retention Choices:
Virat Kohli is a definite retention, but the franchise will need to decide on Faf du Plessis and fast bowlers Yash Dayal and Mohammed Siraj. Glenn Maxwell had a poor season in 2024, which may put his retention in doubt.
RTM Strategy:
RCB might lean towards retaining Faf due to his batting consistency, but it’s unlikely that he will continue as captain.
Punjab Kings
Retention Choices:
Under the new head coach Ricky Ponting, Punjab Kings (PBKS) are ready for a fresh start. Liam Livingstone and Arshdeep Singh are probable retentions, along with uncapped players Shashank Singh and Ashutosh Sharma.
RTM Strategy:
PBKS are one of the few franchises unlikely to utilize the RTM option, aiming to rebuild their team.
Lucknow Super Giants
Retention Choices:
The big question for LSG is whether they will retain KL Rahul. Rumors of friction between him and co-owner Sanjeev Goenka have circulated. Nicholas Pooran is, however, a certainty, and they may also consider retaining Ravi Bishnoi.
RTM Strategy:
If KL Rahul is retained, LSG might use the RTM for another significant player, but their focus could shift to Pooran and other uncapped talents.
Delhi Capitals
Retention Choices:
Delhi Capitals will focus on keeping their T20 World Cup-winning trio – Rishabh Pant, Axar Patel, and Kuldeep Yadav. Explosive Australian opener Jake Fraser-McGurk is also a likely retention.
RTM Strategy:
Delhi’s strategy will be built around maintaining a balanced squad, with a possible RTM being used for an uncapped player.
Gujarat Titans
Retention Choices:
Shubman Gill and Rashid Khan are certainties. Uncapped players Sai Sudharsan and Mohit Sharma are also likely to be retained, taking advantage of the uncapped rule.
RTM Strategy:
Gujarat Titans may use their RTM for players like David Miller, Rahul Tewatia, or Mohammed Shami, depending on the balance they want to maintain in their squad.
In conclusion, the RTM option will add an exciting twist to the 2025 IPL auction. Teams are carefully planning their strategies to ensure a well-balanced squad, and the RTM card might just be the game-changer for many franchises.(cricket betting sites)