With IPL 2025 retentions finalised, several high-profile players have surprisingly entered the auction pool, signaling bold decisions from the franchises.
Here’s a breakdown of the major players released and what it means for their former teams.
KL Rahul’s release from Lucknow Super Giants is a significant shift for the franchise. By choosing to retain Nicholas Pooran as their highest instead, LSG seems focused on freshening up its top order while investing in a younger batting core. Rahul’s absence will undoubtedly reshape LSG’s auction strategy.
Delhi Capitals released Rishabh Pant, likely due to ongoing injury concerns and the emergence of other wicketkeeper options. With Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav retained, DC is clearly pivoting towards a spin-focused attack, banking on stability in their middle order rather than relying on Pant’s explosiveness.
In a surprising move, RCB let go of Mohammed Siraj, despite his impressive record with the new ball. RCB’s retention of Yash Dayal suggests a budget-conscious approach, as they aim to develop younger talent in the bowling department while making room for key acquisitions in the auction.
Rajasthan Royals decided not to retain Jos Buttler, a top-order powerhouse, as they focus on an Indian-centric core with Sanju Samson and Yashasvi Jaiswal. With Parag and Hetmyer in their batting lineup, RR will look for a fresh overseas opener, as Buttler’s hefty price tag may have limited their auction flexibility.
Chennai Super Kings released Rachin Ravindra, but could still get him at the IPL 2025 auctions. Stalwarts like Ruturaj Gaikwad and Ravindra Jadeja were retained alongside MS Dhoni, Matheesha Pathirana and Shivam Dube. With a strong domestic core, CSK likely chose to release Ravindra to try and open up options for the auction.
Shreyas Iyer’s release from KKR opens up space in their middle order for emerging talents like Rinku Singh. KKR’s retention of Russell and Narine suggests a continued reliance on their long-standing power duo, while Iyer’s absence gives them room to target a new middle-order anchor in the auction.
David Miller’s release marks a significant shift for Gujarat Titans, as they look to streamline their finances with a younger core. With players like Sai Sudharsan and Shubman Gill retained, GT appears set to reimagine their batting lineup without Miller’s finishing prowess, banking on homegrown talent instead. It coudl also be that GT believe they could get Miller at a lower price at the auction.
Punjab Kings made the tough decision to release Arshdeep Singh, despite his consistent performances with the ball. By retaining Shashank Singh and Prabhsimran Singh, PBKS is indicating a shift towards younger batters, while they likely eye a new pace option with the flexibility gained from Arshdeep’s release. They could also use the RTM on Arshdeep.
Yuzvendra Chahal’s exit from RR signals a departure from their reliance on experienced spinners. By retaining Samson and Jaiswal, RR is focusing on a strong batting foundation, leaving room for a young spinner in the auction pool to replace Chahal’s experience in the bowling lineup.
Rajasthan Royals’ decision to release Trent Boult is likely driven by budget considerations, allowing them to invest in all-rounders or emerging bowlers. With a core of Indian players like Jaiswal and Samson, RR is realigning their strategy, potentially targeting more cost-effective overseas bowling options in the auction. They could also use the RTM on Boult to get him at a lower rate.
Some of the other notable releases include Ishan Kishan, with Mumbai Indians preferring Tilak Varma over him, Prithvi Shaw, Ravichandran Ashwin, Glenn Maxwell, Will Jacks, Kagiso Rabada, Abdul Samad, Washington Sundar, Quinton de Kock, Phil Salt, Venkatesh Iyer, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Faf du Plessis, Akash Deep, Tim David and Cameron Green.
Mumbai Indians:
Royal Challengers Bangalore:
Chennai Super Kings:
Kolkata Knight Riders:
Delhi Capitals:
Sunrisers Hyderabad:
Gujarat Titans:
Lucknow Super Giants:
Punjab Kings:
Rajasthan Royals:
