IPL 2025 buzz: Meeting over retentions, Dhoni's CSK future and talks of changes in coaching staff
The Indian Premier League (IPL), BCCI's flagship T20 tournament, completed its 17th edition earlier this year. Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) were crowned champions for the second time as they beat SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) by eight wickets in the final at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.
Discussions among franchises are underway for the next IPL edition, which is still quite a few months away. The next auction for the T20 league is extremely crucial as it will be a mega auction. The previous mega auction had taken place ahead of the 2022 edition and significantly affected the fortunes of some of the teams as each franchise could only retain four players each.
The 2022 IPL also saw the addition of two more teams, with Gujarat Titans (GT) and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) making their debut. GT went on to win the edition, beating Rajasthan Royals (RR) in the final.
Ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction, we take a look at all the buzz around the upcoming edition.
Key meeting between BCCI and IPL team owners on July 31 to discuss retentions, RTM option
A meeting between BCCI officials and franchise owners is likely to take place on July 31 to discuss crucial issues like retentions, Right to Match (RTM) option, and salary cap among others.
According to a report in Cricbuzz, the cap on retentions per IPL franchise is likely to be debated at the meeting. As per existing rules, each team can retain four players ahead of the mega auction. However, this could be increased to 5-6 depending on what the franchises agree upon.
The report further added that the RTM option is also likely to be discussed during the meeting. Apparently, there are mixed views among franchises over the rule, so it remains to be seen how the BCCI tackles the contentious matter.
MS Dhoni's CSK future to depend on retention limit?
As per another report in Cricbuzz, former captain MS Dhoni's future with Chennai Super Kings (CSK) could depend on the number of retentions allowed for IPL 2025. The report claimed that the legendary cricketer could continue playing for the franchise if the BCCI allows 5-6 retentions for the upcoming season.
On the other hand, the 43-year-old might take up the role of CSK mentor if only four retentions are allowed, which is the existing rule. If only four players can be retained, skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad, all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja, pacer Matheesha Pathirana, and batter Shivam Dube are front runners to stay with the franchise.
Dravid could return to RR as coach: Reports
As per a report in Times of India, former India coach Rahul Dravid is likely to return to the Rajasthan Royals (RR) fold as head coach. Under Dravid's guidance, India won the 2024 T20 World Cup held in the West Indies and the United States.
"Talks are going on between RR and Dravid, and an announcement in this regard is round the corner," a source was quoted as telling TOI.
Under Dravid's leadership, RR finished runners-up in the 2013 Champions League T20. In the same year, they also reached the IPL playoffs. The former India captain subsequently worked as a mentor of the side for the 2014 and 2015 IPL seasons.
Ashish Nehra might end association with GT; Yuvraj Singh being considered for coaching role: Reports
A report in News 18 recently claimed that Gujarat Titans’ head coach Ashish Nehra and Director of Cricket Vikram Solanki are likely to quit the franchise ahead of IPL 2025. The report further added that former India all-rounder Yuvraj Singh is being considered for the role of new GT head coach.
“Lot of changes on the cards. Ashish Nehra and Vikram Solanki are highly likely to move on and discussions around Yuvraj Singh have already begun. Nothing is finalized right now but there could be some major changes in the coaching staff of the Gujarat Titans,” the website quoted a source as saying.
Both Nehra and Solanki have been part of the GT franchise since their inaugural edition in the T20 league in 2022. Gujarat Titans were crowned champions in their maiden season and finished runners-up in 2023.
PBKS could part ways with Trevor Bayliss: Reports
Punjab Kings (PBKS) are unlikely to retain Trevor Bayliss as head coach for the upcoming IPL season. Bayliss' two-year contract with the franchise has expired and PBKS are unlikely to renew it.
As per a report in Cricbuzz, Punjab Kings are on the lookout for an Indian coach to guide the team in the upcoming editions. PBKS are among the most underperforming sides in the IPL and have never won the T20 league. They finished ninth in the 2024 edition, winning only five out of 14 games.
Parth Jindal explains the reason behind DC parting ways with Ricky Ponting
One of the big developments ahead of IPL 2025 is Delhi Capitals (DC) parting ways with head coach Ricky Ponting. Under the former Aussie skipper's guidance, DC have come close to winning the T20 league, but have failed to lift the trophy.
Speaking to CNBC-TV18 recently, Delhi Capitals co-owner Parth Jindal hinted that they have ended their association with Ponting since they want an Indian coach.
“The coaching set-up that one needs to have, has to be full-time. They have to be available in the country, in the city at any given point in time. That is the sole reason why we have made this change," Jindal commented.
Delhi finished sixth in IPL 2024, winning seven matches and losing as many.