"I feel retentions have to be a lot more because a franchise invests a lot on player" - Ambati Rayudu ahead of IPL mega-auctionÂ
Former India batter Ambati Rayudu has shared his opinion surrounding the controversial subject of the number of retentions that a franchise should avail ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) mega auction. The team owners are still in the dark, awaiting the Board of Control for Cricket in India's (BCCI) decision regarding the matter, which could arguably dictate their future.
A number of franchises have opposed to the notion of mega auctions and limited retentions. The constant change in the team's core has been brought to the BCCI's attention, while some teams feel that the mega auction has not served its purpose completely and the formation of new combinations is what makes the league special.
During the previous mega auction in 2022, the teams had the opportunity to make a maximum of four retentions, without the provision of the Right to Match (RTM) card in light of the new franchises - Gujarat Titans (GT) and the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG).
"Personally I feel retentions have to be a lot more because a franchise invests a lot on player, the core of the team is what makes every team unique in the IPL so me the longer the core remains the culture of the team remains," Rayudu told PTI.
There is a great chance of success. Retentions have to be and there needs be lot of retentions. It can't be one or two. All the important players should be retained," he added.
Rayudu played for the Mumbai Indians (MI) and the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in his storied IPL career. He was part of the core across both franchises, playing a crucial role in their title wins over the years.
The teams will receive a boost to their purse money to structure their squad as well. The BCCI was expected to announce their decision regarding the mega auction rules by late August, but there has been a delay in the proceedings.
"I 100 percent agree with Rayudu" - Suresh Raina
Former India player, and Rayudu's teammate at Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Suresh Raina, also held a similar viewpoint regarding retentions and mega auctions.
"I 100 percent agree with Rayudu. The mega auction should be every three years. The IPL Governing Council will do what is best for the game," Raina opined.
Apart from the aforementioned agendas, the BCCI also has to make a call regarding the future of the impact player and the two-bouncer rule in the coming weeks.