As the IPL 2025 auction approaches, franchises are finalizing their player retention lists, influenced by guidelines from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). Reports indicate that franchises are advancing with their draft plans, and following the Chennai Super Kings’ retention announcements, the Delhi Capitals have also revealed their player priorities. The list confirms that captain Rishabh Pant is the top choice for retention, putting to rest rumours about his potential move to Punjab Kings alongside former coach Ricky Ponting.
Pant, a key player for the Indian national team, was rumoured to join Punjab Kings after Ponting’s arrival there. However, recent reports suggest that he will remain with the Delhi Capitals, with a retention status as their primary player. Currently, Pant earns INR 16 crore, a figure likely to rise with the upcoming BCCI guidelines for player salaries and retention.
Overseas and Uncapped Players in the Mix
In addition to Pant, the Capitals are expected to retain prominent Indian players such as Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav. Among their overseas selections, Jake Fraser-McGurk and Tristan Stubbs are also likely to be kept on the roster. Furthermore, if the BCCI permits the retention of an uncapped player, wicketkeeper-batsman Abhishek Porel is a strong candidate for retention.
Although the BCCI aimed to announce retention rules by the end of August, this timeline has been pushed back. The Indian board is now poised to release the finalized rules shortly. It is anticipated that the Right To Match clause will feature in the upcoming mega auction, but there has yet to be confirmation regarding the continuation of the BCCI’s previous regulation that classified retired international players as ‘uncapped players.’
Overall, as the auction nears, teams like Delhi Capitals are strategically planning their rosters to maintain competitive strength, with an eye on maximizing their retention capabilities under new guidelines.
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