5 big players who were retained ahead of both IPL 2022 and 2025 mega auctions ft. Virat Kohli
The retention lists have finally been released ahead of the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) mega-auction, and franchises and players have made some bold calls regarding their respective futures in the changing dynamic. There have been several surprising releases, primarily after failed negotiations, and at the same time, some surprising candidates have been retained at the last minute.
The new regulations imposed by the governing council have made it difficult for franchises to maintain their core and consistency, without evoking too much change. All the franchises that have opted for such a provision have seen it take a massive hit to their purse.
As a result, if a player has been part of the retention list across two successive cycles, it is a testament to how the player is indispensable to the franchise. On that note, let us take a look at five such players who were retained ahead of both IPL 2022 and 2025 mega auctions.
#1 Virat Kohli
The ace batter has always been a constant presence in the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) retention list from the word go.
Three years ago, Kohli had relinquished his captaincy, but expressed a desire to continue his journey with the franchise out of loyalty as a pure batter. With amicable relationships between the two parties, it was a smooth process as Kohli was announced as the number 1 retention for INR 15 crore ahead of the 2022 mega-auction, alongside Glenn Maxwell and Mohammed Siraj.
After a prolific three-year cycle with the bat, primarily due to his heroics in the 2023 and 2024 season, Kohli heads into the next phase after announcing his retirement from T20Is. However, there were no doubts regarding his future, and an increase in the franchise purse led to Kohli being retained for a record INR 21 crore sum, as far as Indian players are concerned.
#2 Rohit Sharma
After failing to complete a historic three-peat in 2021, the Mumbai Indians (MI) retained the entirety of their core, with skipper Rohit Sharma leading the pack with a retention price of INR 16 crore, which was the maximum set limit at that time.
Since then, MI have failed to progress into the playoffs, while Rohit Sharma lost his captaincy to Hardik Pandya. Many believed that The Hitman played the final game for the franchise in the 2024 edition.
However, after successful talks with the franchise, the core is here to stay, with Rohit Sharma included in the list as the fourth choice retention with a salary of INR 16.30 crore.
#3 Jasprit Bumrah
Arguably the best bowler in the entire competition, it was clear that Bumrah would be part of the MI setup unless something drastic happens. Playing a huge role in the franchise's success, he was retained for INR 12 crore as the second-choice retention behind Rohit Sharma ahead of the 2022 auction.
Since then, he has had spells with injuries, causing him to miss an entire season in the three-year cycle. However, he has proven his worth since his return, and has been announced as the first-choice retention above the likes of Hardik Pandya, Rohit Sharma, and Suryakumar Yadav for a price of INR 18 crore.
#4 Ravindra Jadeja
The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) had ambitious plans for Ravindra Jadeja aftermath their triumphant 2021 campaign. The all-rounder was retained as the first-choice, even over MS Dhoni for INR 16 crore. He was then thrust into leadership for the 2022 season, which he then relinquished midway through the season after a forgettable start.
There has been a little friction between the two parties over the course of the recent three-year cycle, but at the end of the day, he has been retained again. Jadeja was announced as one of the five retentions made by the franchise. His updated salary is INR 18 crore, on par with the skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad.
#5 MS Dhoni
The veteran had expressed his desire to play for the franchise after leading the team to the title in the 2021 edition. He demoted himself to the second choice retention for INR 12 crore ahead of the 2022 mega auction.
After a relatively successful three-year period, which included a title in 2023, Dhoni's future was up in the air yet again. However, with the provision of the 'uncapped' player being introduced in the off season. It gave CSK the opportunity to extend the legend's stay with the franchise for a mere INR 4 crore from the purse.