Full list of players retained for Rs 18 crore or more ahead of IPL 2025 Auction ft. Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah
The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 retention lists are out, and as expected, several franchises have made major moves by securing some of the top players in the league for staggering amounts ahead of the highly anticipated 2025 mega-auction.
From star Indian talents to international powerhouses, the franchises have shelled out immense amounts to ensure they retain their core players. Notably, the retentions included some surprising calls, with several franchises choosing not to retain their captains, including Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul.
Meanwhile, the Punjab Kings took a different approach, retaining just two players, while other teams focused on keeping the backbone of their squad intact. The cap for retentions was set at INR 18, 14, 11, 8, and 4 crores, yet some franchises made special efforts to go above these limits for players they deemed irreplaceable.
Heinrich Klaasen emerged as the most expensive retention on October 31, as the SunRisers Hyderabad secured their star wicketkeeper-batter for INR 23 crore following a remarkable season. Among Indian players, Virat Kohli led the list with a retention price of Rs 21 crore from the Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
Other franchises, like Lucknow Super Giants, also invested big, putting their trust in seasoned IPL stars.
On that note, here is the full list of players retained for Rs 18 crore or more ahead of the IPL 2025 Auction.
Full list of players retained for Rs 18 crore or more ahead of IPL 2025 Auction
1. Heinrich Klaasen (Sunrisers Hyderabad) – INR 23 crore
South African wicketkeeper-batter Heinrich Klaasen scored a lucrative INR 23 crore retention after a stellar IPL 2024 with SunRisers Hyderabad. Klaasen was pivotal in leading SRH to the finals, scoring 479 runs across 16 innings with an impressive strike rate of 171.07. He consistently delivered at the crease, hitting four half-centuries and finishing as one of their season's batting mainstays.
2. Virat Kohli (Royal Challengers Bengaluru) – INR 21 crore
As the highest-paid Indian player, Virat Kohli was retained by RCB for INR 21 crore. Kohli, the IPL’s all-time leading run-scorer, had an incredible season in 2024, where he scored 741 runs at an average of 61.75 and a strike rate of 154.70. His innings included five half-centuries and a century, playing a critical role in RCB’s journey to the playoffs.
3. Nicholas Pooran (Lucknow Super Giants) – INR 21 crore
Explosive West Indies batter Nicholas Pooran was retained by the Lucknow Super Giants for INR 21 crore after his best IPL season yet. Pooran scored 499 runs from 14 innings at a fiery strike rate of 178.21, establishing himself as a game-changer. His power-hitting abilities could make him a potential captain for LSG.
4. Ruturaj Gaikwad (Chennai Super Kings) – INR 18 crore
The Chennai Super Kings secured their captain and rising star Ruturaj Gaikwad for INR 18 crore. Despite CSK’s absence in the playoffs, Gaikwad had an impressive season, scoring 583 runs in 14 games at an average of 53.00 and a strike rate of 141.16, including a century.
5. Ravindra Jadeja (Chennai Super Kings) – INR 18 crore
All-rounder Ravindra Jadeja remains a core player for CSK, with a retention price of INR 18 crore. Known for his versatility, Jadeja scored 257 runs with a strike rate of 142.78 and picked up eight wickets in IPL 2024. His value in all three departments solidifies his status as a key player for CSK.
6. Jasprit Bumrah (Mumbai Indians) – INR 18 crore
The Mumbai Indians retained India’s star pacer Jasprit Bumrah for INR 18 crore. Bumrah was a force with the ball, claiming 20 wickets with a remarkable economy rate of 6.48 last season. His performance included a best bowling figure of 5/21, affirming his role as MI’s key bowler. He also played a vital role in India's triumph at the 2024 T20 World Cup.
7. Sanju Samson (Rajasthan Royals) – INR 18 crore
Rajasthan Royals captain Sanju Samson, retained at INR 18 crore, has been a dependable leader and consistent run-scorer. Samson led by example, amassing 531 runs in 15 games at an average of 48.27 and a strike rate of 153.47, taking RR to the playoffs in the 2024 season.
8. Yashasvi Jaiswal (Rajasthan Royals) – INR 18 crore
Talented opener Yashasvi Jaiswal was another major retention for the Rajasthan Royals at INR 18 crore. Known for his composure and skill, Jaiswal contributed 435 runs at a strike rate of 155.91, including a century, solidifying his place at the top of the order.
9. Pat Cummins (SunRisers Hyderabad) – INR 18 crore
Pat Cummins, the Australian pacer and SRH captain, was retained for INR 18 crore after a strong season leading SRH to the finals. Cummins took 18 wickets and showcased his lower-order batting skills, reinforcing his value to the team.
10. Rashid Khan (Gujarat Titans) – INR 18 crore
Rashid Khan, renowned for his prowess in T20 cricket, was retained by Gujarat Titans for INR 18 crore. Although he picked up 10 wickets last season, his consistent wicket-taking ability, quick-scoring potential, and sharp fielding make him a pivotal all-rounder for GT.