"I’m a bit surprised with some of the non-Indian retentions" - Ricky Ponting ahead of IPL 2025 mega auction
Former Australian captain and Punjab Kings head coach Ricky Ponting expressed his surprise at the franchises not retaining the likes of Shreyas Iyer, Rishabh Pant and KL Rahul ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction. Ponting opined that franchises are looking to move in a different direction altogether.
Pant (Delhi Capitals), Shreyas (Kolkata Knight Riders) and Rahul (Lucknow Super Giants) were let go of by their respective franchises despite strong batting performances in the 2024 edition. All 10 franchises unveiled their retention list on Thursday (October 31). Shreyas had notably captained the Knight Riders to the title this year.
Speaking on the latest episode of the ICC Review, the Tasmanian suggested that he is in awe of the number of star players in the mega auction this time. He said:
"There are a lot of exciting players. So many. I’m a bit surprised with some of the non-Indian retentions if you like, with both Shreyas Iyer and Rishabh Pant being available in the auctions. It was a bit surprising, even KL Rahul to a certain degree. It seems like individuals or franchises are busy looking to move in different directions to some of their players."
Rahul also seemingly had a fallout with the Super Giants owner Sanjiv Goenka after the IPL 2024 game against the SunRisers Hyderabad as the former lost by 10 wickets.
"That’s why he’s so important to Chennai, for the leadership he brings" - Ricky Ponting on MS Dhoni being retained
With five-time champions Chennai Super Kings retaining Dhoni as an uncapped player, Ponting opined that the keeper-batter is unlikely to play all the games and could be only a mentor for them. He added:
"Two seasons back, he had his worst season, but then last year he bounced back to really have some impact on the game. MS Dhoni evolved. I think it might be the same, though they might not look at getting him through the season, maybe resting him for a game or two.
"We shouldn’t forget that he’s been injured over the last couple of seasons, but any team he is going to be in he’ll be a mentor and leader of that group - whether he’s playing or on the sidelines. That’s why he’s so important to Chennai, for the leadership he brings, on and off the field."
The date and venue for the IPL 2025 auction is yet to be announced.