The Indian Premier League (IPL) is known for its thrilling matches, iconic players, and nail-biting finishes, but the excitement often starts long before the first ball is bowled. As IPL 2025 approaches, all franchises have now announced their retention lists, shedding light on which players will remain with their current teams and which will return to the auction pool.
Among the major shifts this season are the releases of notable Indian players like KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant, and Shreyas Iyer, each of whom will undoubtedly attract significant bidding in the upcoming auction.
The release of these three prominent names has sparked much speculation. Notably, KL Rahul’s exit from Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) wasn’t entirely unexpected, as there had been rumors circulating about his potential departure. However, the news of Rishabh Pant being released from Delhi Capitals (DC) came as a surprise to many, considering he had been the team’s captain. Shreyas Iyer’s release from Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) also raised eyebrows.
FOLLOW OUR FB PAGE FOR LATEST SPORTS NEWS
All three players, despite their mixed success in recent seasons, are still viewed as talented leaders, making them highly sought-after prospects for IPL 2025.
Given the current landscape, let’s delve into the potential franchises that may pursue these captains.
KL Rahul:
KL Rahul once dazzled the IPL stage with his exploits for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) before he moved to Punjab Kings, where he served as captain. His previous stint at RCB means that there’s a familiarity that may push the franchise to consider reacquiring him.
Another franchise that emerges in the conversation is Punjab Kings. They’re in the search for a new captain, and given Rahul’s experience and his time with the team, he could be the ideal candidate to take the helm once again. The IPL auction promises to be a battleground for franchises eager to secure the gifted batsman.
ALSO READ- IPL-2025 Retentions: List of retained players for each franchise
Rishabh Pant:
With Rishabh Pant now available, franchises are already eyeing him as a potential addition to their rosters, with LSG and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) leading the charge. LSG could see Pant as a long-term investment, given their need for a dynamic player who can also take on leadership roles in the future.
On the other hand, CSK, which historically has had MS Dhoni at the helm, may view Pant as the future of their franchise, envisioning him as a successor to Dhoni’s legacy. With both teams eager to enhance their squads, the bidding for Pant will likely push his market value to new heights.
Shreyas Iyer:
Shreyas Iyer, having displayed relentless performances with DC in previous seasons, also finds himself in a favorable position in the auction. Punjab Kings find themselves once again in the race for Iyer, given their need for a captain.
Additionally, LSG is also expected to consider Iyer to complete their leadership group. Interestingly, the chance remains that DC could bring Iyer back, as they may desire his experience and connection with the team.
As the IPL auction nears, the dynamics surrounding these three captains will keep fans on the edge of their seats. Their exceptional skills and leadership qualities mean they are bound to attract significant interest, and speculating on their new homes adds an extra layer of excitement to the event.
Ultimately, the upcoming IPL auction is set to be a fervent affair, particularly for franchises targeting players like Rahul, Pant, and Iyer. As teams strategize and gear up for IPL 2025, the question remains: which franchises will land these charismatic leaders?