The 13-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi has been in the news in recent times for creating histories at a very early age. He is now the youngest cricketer to be present in the upcoming mega auction for the IPL 2025. 

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced the 574 players names for the mega auction of the IPL 2025. Vaibhav Suryavanshi is one of the uncapped Indian players out of 318 uncapped players. While he is the 491st player in the mega auction list, he is the 69th player in the uncapped batter category (UBA9).

Vaibhav Suryavanshi has already experienced first-class cricket

At the age of 12 years and 284 days, Suryavanshi made his first-class debut. He was the second youngest player to make a first-class cricket debut in Indian cricket. Since his debut for Bihar in January 2024, he has played five first-class matches where the left-handed batter has scored 100 runs, with his highest score of 41 runs. As a left-arm spinner, he has also taken one wicket. 

Suryavanshi scored a century against Australia U19

Last September, while Australia U19 toured India for a two-match Youth Test series, Suryavanshi scored a century at Chennai. With that century at the age of 13 years and 187 days (age as per the start of the Youth Test match), he became the youngest cricketer to hit a century in U19 Test history. He scored 104 runs in the first innings of that match. 

According to the data available, Suryavanshi broke the record of Pakistan cricketer Nasir Jamshed, who set the record at the age of 15 years and 102 days (age as per the start of the Youth Test match). 

Suryavanshi also participated in the Quadrangular U19 ODI series 2023

In November 2023, Suryavanshi served for India B U19 in the Quadrangular U19 ODI series and scored 177 runs in six innings with an average of 29.50 and a strike rate of 90.30, including two half-centuries.

The final list for the IPL 2025 mega auction has been released. While the list has 574 players’ names, we will miss two prominent English cricketers in the upcoming IPL season. 

Jeddah in Saudi Arabia will host the mega auction for the IPL 2025 on November 24 and 25. The auction starting time is 12:30 local time (Indian time 15:00) 

The Indian Premier League (IPL) has announced the list of the 12 marquee players for the upcoming mega auction. There are two sets of marquee players with six players each (M1 and M2).

Marquee players

Out of the 12 marquee players, seven are Indians and five are foreigners. M1 has Jos Buttler, Shreyas Iyer, Rishabh Pant, Kagiso Rabada, Arshdeep Singh and Mitchell Starc. On the other hand, M2 has Yuzvendra Chahal, Liam Livingstone, David Miller, KL Rahul, Mohammed Shami, and Mohammed Siraj. Apart from David Miller, who has an INR 1.5 crore base price, all other marquee players have a base price of INR 2 crore. 

Key points for the mega auction

While 1574 players registered their names for the IPL 2025 mega auctions, only 574 players have been chosen for the upcoming mega auction. Out of the 574 shortlisted players, 366 are Indians and 208 are overseas players. 

Among the Indians, 48 are capped players. So, the remaining 318 Indian players are uncapped. 

Meanwhile, 193 cricketers are capped overseas players, and 12 are uncapped overseas players. Also, three names have been included from the ICC Associate Members. The three names of the Associate members are Ali Khan (United States), Unmukt Chand (United States), and Brandon McMullen (Scotland). 

While 204 slots are available for the selections, 70 players can be added to the overseas slots. Except for Kolkata Knight Riders and Rajasthan Royals, all other eight teams have Right-to-Match (RTM) options for the upcoming mega auction. 

The highest base price for the mega auction is unchanged at INR 2 crore. A total of 81 players are on the list with the highest base price. 

IPL 2025: Archer, Wood will miss, Anderson joins the auction 

English fast bowler Jofra Archer will miss the IPL 2025 as he has missed out on the mega auction final list. Also, Mark Wood's name is missing from the upcoming mega auction. However, the former English pacer James Anderson is present in the final auction list.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has officially confirmed that the IPL 2025 mega auction will feature two sets of marquee players, reviving a format last seen in the 2018 and 2014 auctions. The marquee player lists will consist of 8–9 players each, providing franchises with a pool of high-caliber cricketers to kickstart their squad-building strategies. The auction is scheduled for November 24 and 25 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, marking a historic milestone for the tournament.

IPL 2025 mega auction to feature Two Marquee player lists

This exciting development has reignited the anticipation among franchises and fans, especially as marquee players like Rishabh Pant, KL Rahul, Shreyas Iyer, Mohammed Siraj, and Mitchell Starc are expected to headline the lists. Each marquee player has set a base price of INR 2 crore, and the BCCI predicts that teams will spend a significant portion of their budget, around 30–50%, on acquiring these top-tier athletes.

See Also: Afghanistan Women gear up for historic T20 clash in Australia

BCCI engages franchises for Marquee suggestions

In a collaborative move, the BCCI has invited franchises to suggest additional names for the marquee player lists, with the deadline for submissions closing on November 12. This approach aims to ensure that the auction caters to the specific needs and aspirations of the teams, making it a more inclusive process.

A total of 1,574 players have registered for the IPL 2025 auction, including 1,165 Indian cricketers and 409 overseas talents. The official order of the marquee player lists is expected to be revealed in the coming days, adding another layer of suspense and excitement.

With Jeddah hosting the mega auction, the IPL continues to expand its global footprint. Fans are eagerly awaiting the event, which promises to deliver high-stakes bidding wars as teams vie for the best players to strengthen their lineups for the 2025 season.

The combination of marquee lists, franchise involvement, and a stunning international venue ensures that this year’s mega auction will be one for the history books.

Kolkata Knight Riders had a memorable previous edition, earning their third-ever IPL title after a massive gap of ten years. With an optimum mix of reliable players and a robust coaching staff, the team bet all the odds and claimed success. But, their retained list had several polar opinions from critics and fanatics, as they haven't retained the captain who led to their triumph.

With their retention list comprising of emerging and experienced campaigners, they haven't opted for having the Right-to-Match (RTM) option as they have filled all the spots so that it will be some new players venturing into the defending champions' side. That said, here are the potential five-player picks that the Knight Riders would go all out for in the forthcoming 2025 IPL Mega Auction. 

Faf du Plessis

Faf du Plessis could be one of the primary targets for the Men in Purple management, as he ticks the boxes of an experienced power batter and a reliable captain. Considering that the side only has INR 51 Crore left in their purse, they can give their all to buy him, as they can rely on his captaincy expertise.

With just three editions for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru, he has taken them twice to the final stages of the playoffs; the side can rest assured in giving him the captaincy position for the upcoming editions. In the last edition, he has made 438 runs in 15 matches at a decent average of over 30.

Ishan Kishan

The Kolkata Knight Riders will not change their powerful hitting lineup for IPL 2025. They can, however, target young Indian wicketkeeper batter Ishan Kishan, who has been freed by the Mumbai Indians, keeping in mind that the team also requires a reliable wicketkeeper. Kishan is known for his aggressive batting and power-hitting ability.

Kishan could be an excellent addition to KKR's star-studded batting lineup, which includes Sunil Narine, Andre Russell, and Rinku Singh. Kishan has recently been uneven with the bat, but recent matches in the local arena have helped to boost the confidence of all franchises in the Mega Auction. In 2024, he made 320 runs in 14 games, averaging at 23. 

Mohammed Shami

The Kolkata Knight Riders will now want to add an experienced fast bowler to their team for the IPL 2025. In the IPL 2025 mega auction, they might want to sign experienced Indian bowler Mohammed Shami. The right-arm bowler is now recovering from a knee injury sustained during his outstanding 2023 Cricket World Cup performance, in which he took an incredible number of wickets in just a few games.

Surprisingly, he has been released by the Gujarat Titans. The KKR management is expected to spend a large sum on him at the mega auction in Jeddah since he has played an essential role in whichever squad he has been a member of in his cricketing environment. Also, with several other franchises putting all their efforts into his acquisition, he could probably be one of the most expensive players in the upcoming mega auction.

Also Read: IPL 2025: 5 players Royal Challengers Bengaluru should target for in the upcoming IPL Mega Auction

Phil Salt

Phil Salt excelled in the top order for KKR in the IPL 2024. His aggressive hitting style might help the squad get off to a fast start. In this case, KKR wants to return him to the team for another season. Phil Salt was pivotal to KKR's successful season last year, scoring 435 runs at an average of 39.54 and a strike rate of 182 in 12 innings, including four fifties.

Despite his excellent performance, KKR dismissed him due to a surplus of players. On the other hand, Salt is an aggressive top-order batsman who maintains wickets and has league experience. Given his achievements, the three-time champions would go all and out for bringing him back to the side, even with the unavailability of an RTM card. 

Rahul Tripathi

Rahul Tripathi symbolises a solid IPL-batter package, thanks to his aggressive approach in obtaining crucial runs. He has consistently performed for any team he has ever represented, frequently stepping up when the squad needed him the most.

His ability to anchor innings and accelerate when needed makes him essential. Tripathi's IPL experience and ability to score crucial runs make him a solid pick for any club. His retention would offer the squad stability and a player around whom to build tactics. In his 2024 stay, he scored 165 runs in just six matches, with a remarkable strike rate above 140. 

The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) is one of the most popular IPL franchises. The franchise has been a part of the IPL since its inception, having competed in all 17 seasons of the lucrative competition. However, it is currently awaiting its first title. Before the IPL 2025 major auctions, which are expected to occur later this month, RCB retained three players: Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar, and Yash Dayal.

RCB will have three Right To Match (RTM) cards available in the mega auctions, and the franchise owners are hoping to bring back as many players as possible. The squad has had a great 2024 season and wants to convert their maiden IPL title with a significant team restructuring from the Mega Auction, as they have the potential to acquire top players from the under-the-hammer roster. Here are the five top-player recommendations for the side to target in the forthcoming 2025 IPL Mega Auction. 

KL Rahul

KL Rahul will be one of the targets of the loyal fanbase-backed squad in the IPL 2025 Mega Auction for apparent reasons. Rahul had a fantastic IPL 2016 with RCB. However, he missed the 2017 season due to injuries and was released before the 2018 Mega Auction. He later played for the Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings) and Lucknow Super Giants, but he could return to his home franchise, which has only kept three players, including a colossal purchasing purse.

Rahul has always been liked by the RCB faithful, partly because he is from Bengaluru, and the team is in dire need of a reliable wicketkeeper batter. Fans should anticipate that RCB will bid quite expensively for Rahul in the blockbuster auction. In the 2024 edition, he has made a commendable 520 runs in 14 matches with four half-centuries.

Mitchell Starc

RCB has historically struggled with a reliable bowling attack, which has been overlooked by their dynamic batting lineup, and Mitchell Starc can help address that gap. Starc's ability to perform in high-pressure circumstances and his previous stint with RCB in 2015 suggest he might be the missing piece in RCB's quest for their first IPL victory. His expertise and talent in T20 cricket make him an excellent choice to command their bowling unit.

In IPL 2024, as the most expensive player in the tournament ever, Starc demonstrated his brilliance by collecting crucial wickets and maintaining an exceptional economy rate during playoffs, further cementing his worth to a club needing bowling consistency. In his triumphant 2024 campaign with the Kolkata Knight Riders, he has taken 17 wickets in 14 matches. 

Will Jacks

Will Jacks, another major player for RCB in the 2024 season, had a massive influence after replacing Maxwell in the playing XI. Jack's ability to dominate pacers and spinners and his helpful spin bowling may urge RCB to utilise their RTM to keep him. With his swashbuckling style, he can restore the team's batting glory days, as they have the opportunity to win their first title through a restructure in the upcoming Mega Auction.

In eight matches, the 25-year-old English all-rounder scored 230 runs at a fantastic 175.57 strike rate, including a spectacular 41-ball century against the Gujarat Titans.

Also Read: IPL 2025: 5 players Mumbai Indians should target for in the upcoming IPL Mega Auction

Mohammed Siraj

Mohammed Siraj, who has been at RCB since 2018, was also included on the list of players revealed ahead of the mega auction. Siraj grabbed 15 wickets in 14 IPL 2024 matches while maintaining a solid economy rate of 9.19 economy. But as they say, every player has a rough patch in their sporting stint; Siraj will be desperate to come back with a bang through the fierce and intense 2025 IPL.

He is well-known for his ability to take wickets with the new ball, but his recent improvements at death bowling make him an invaluable asset. RCB may use their RTM option to bring him back, as they need a reliable Indian pacer who can spearhead the team's bowling attack and align with its goals by being aware of the Indian conditions. 

Rachin Ravindran

Rachin Ravindra, the all-rounder from New Zealand, is one of cricket's hottest prospects, making him a priority target for several prominent teams in the forthcoming IPL 2025 big auction. He had a terrific time with CSK throughout the 2024 IPL season, but now that they have opted not to put him on the retention list, RCB might consider him a top-order alternative to Virat Kohli.

Ravindra has the talent and skill to adjust to varied circumstances with the bat and ball, which should serve him well regardless of where he ends up in the next edition. Though he had a mediocre debut IPL sit-in with the Chennai Super Kings by scoring just 222 runs in ten games, his awareness of the Indian conditions would act as the major USP for the team to acquire his services. 

Mumbai Indians, the five-time champions, have acted as one of the cornerstones of the Indian Premier League's emergence, thanks to their illustrious campaigns and campaigners who have represented the blue squad. But the same side finished the previous season at the bottom of the points table. Through the forthcoming auctions, many fanatics expect a comeback through a major restructuring. 

With the retention of their central pillars across all the departments (Jasprit Bumrah, Hardik Pandya, Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav and Tilak Varma), the management under the coaching guidance of Mahela Jayawardene will be eager to acquire such players that align to their objectives and fill the significant voids. That said, here we look at the top five names that the Mumbai Indians should go all for in the 2025 IPL Mega Auction, and the commonality between all the names is that all the suggested players have donned the blue jersey at least once. 

Trent Boult

Trent Boult should be among the first names on the top priority list of Mumbai Indians' mega auction game plan. Roping the Kiwi speedster will bolster the pace of the attack that Jasprit Bumrah has already helmed. Boult's athleticism on-field will also help the side in the most advantageous ways possible.

The 35-year-old left-arm pacer is one of the best bowlers of the contemporary era, known for his ability to take wickets with the new ball. He played well for his last team, the Rajasthan Royals, and was a vital bowler for the past three seasons. In 2024, he took 16 wickets in 16 matches with an economy rate of over eight. 

Yuzvendra Chahal

Yuzvendra Chahal, the star Indian leg-spinner, is the most successful bowler in IPL history. Chahal debuted in the IPL with MI in 2013 but quickly rose to prominence with RCB and RR. Overall, Chahal has become linked with consistency. Despite amassing mountains of wickets for RR over the previous three IPL seasons, the Sanju Samson-led club did not keep Chahal, and he will now be available in mega auctions, where MI might target him.

Overall, Chahal has become linked with consistency. MI has missed the presence of a great spinner over the previous three seasons, and Chahal can replace that need. In 2024, he has 18 wickets from 15 matches.  

Jos Buttler

Jos Buttler, the prominent English wicketkeeper batter, has already been a "hot topic" in the auction pool after being left off the Rajasthan Royals' retention list. Every club that participates is eager to have Buttler on their roster.

Buttler spent many seasons with the Mumbai-based squad under Rohit Sharma's supervision after making his IPL debut with MI in 2016. However, his long-term contributions to the inaugural winners have been immense, and his former team will dearly miss him in future editions. In just 11 matches, he has 359 runs and two three-digit mark numbers.  

Also Read: IPL 2025: 5 players Chennai Super Kings should target for in the upcoming mega auction

Nehal Wadhera

Nehal Wadhera appears to be one of the candidates whose side may exercise their only RTM (Right-to-Match) in the next auction. However, it is strongly recommended that the team go all-in for him, as this would assist them in aligning with their future chances.

The southpaw is adept at countering both spin and speed. He has a decent attitude and can be a floater anywhere in the lineup. The 24-year-old joined the organisation in 2023 and was impressed with his bat, strengthening the middle order. In 2024, he has played six games and scored 109 runs, which may appear modest but has a lot of potential beneath. 

Akash Madhwal

Akash Madhwal, a young Indian bowler who can take wickets at any point of the game, is usually a popular pick at the IPL mega auction. Madhwal has amazed everyone throughout his two seasons in Mumbai. He joined the franchise in 2023 and had an immediate effect.

In his first-ever IPL edition, he grabbed 14 wickets in eight games, the best of which was 5/5. His rapid pace may give some batters nightmares during vital game moments. As a result, Madhwal might be one of the players the Mumbai Indians use their RTM on in the blockbuster action, but they still should go for him. In his 2024 tenure, he got five wickets in five games. 

Chennai Super Kings is one such franchise that has enhanced the fame and definition of the Indian Premier League. Being a five-time champions side helmed under the captain cool, MS Dhoni, the Super Kings are prominent for the gameplay and their humongous fanbase. But, they had a forgettable 2024 stint, as they had closely missed qualifying for the playoffs, citing significant issues regarding players' inconsistency and the injury of leading campaigners.

But, with the Mega Auction coming ahead, the Yellove army will get a chance to restructure their team and plan for the long term, as a few of them from the roster will likely play their last in the times ahead. Based on the released retention list and voids present on the side, here is a list of the five players that Chennai Super Kings should try for in the coming 2025 IPL Mega Auction

Rishabh Pant

Rishabh Pant should be on the team's player acquisition plans' significant target list. The primary reason behind this would be evident amongst several cricket fanatics. With Mahendra Singh Dhoni possibly playing his last IPL after his cornerstone contributions to the cricketing world, Chennai Super Kings would be eager to acquire the services of an emerging wicketkeeper batter.

Since his IPL inception, Pant has been part of Delhi Capitals for over seven editions, implying his pivotal impact creation for his roster. But, with him parting ways from his career shuttler, it will be intriguing to see if Rishabh Pant would be a part of a team with his idol. After making a stellar comeback from a life-threatening injury, he has made 446 runs in 13 matches, averaging over 41. 

Ravichandran Ashwin

Ravichandran Ashwin has been one of the cornerstones of the Indian spinners ecosystem. But, before making a mark on the International cricket space, Ashwin was a part of the Yellow squad since its inception. He evolved as one of the best spinmeisters across all game formats, especially in the red-ball format.

Though Ashwin has played for four teams, Rajasthan Royals being the recent one, his consistency and intent must be the major USP. Also, with his recent dominance as one of the best bowlers in test cricket, the local boy wouldn't mind returning to the side that has given him all. The Super Kings will target to have an experienced spinner, and he can prove to be their best option. In the previous edition, he had scalped nine wickets in 15 matches at an economy of eight. 

Washington Sundar

Washington Sundar would be one of the players under the Super Kings auction management's auction radar, thanks to his impeccable performance in their recent whitewash campaign by New Zealand, where his spinning efforts went in vain. Many fanatics would vividly remember his batting contributions in the nick of time during the previous 2022 Border-Gavasker Trophy down under.

Sundar, who played for Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL 2024, was not retained by his franchise and will be auctioned off. With Chennai retaining Ravindra Jadeja and Shivam Dube ahead of the auction, another all-rounder could do them good. With the side requiring a long-term emerging spinner, Sundar can cater to those needs, and his local roots act as the cherry on top. In 2024, he didn't get a chance to display his calibre and scalped just one wicket in two appearances. 

Also Read: IPL 2025: Top 5 Best Retentions during the 2025 IPL Mega Auction

Devon Conway

Devon Conway is seen to be one of the players that the five-time winners may exercise their Right-to-Match (RTM) option or pay big for in the mega auction. The group is recognised for its stability and consistency and has placed a high faith level in its overseas players, with Devon Conway has maintained that tradition.

He missed the IPL 2024 season with a thumb injury, and his absence contributed to the franchise's failure to qualify for the playoffs. The Southern side should be eager to get him back into the auction. In his memorable 2023 stint, he has made a colossal 672 runs in 16 matches, averaging over 49.

Rachin Ravindran

Rachin Ravindra is currently one of the intriguing and emerging stars in world cricket, and he's mainly performed brilliantly in the Indian sub-continent, with his recent performance in the clean sweep India test series and the 2023 World Cup.

A calm demeanour, 24 years of age, a match-winner with the bat, and a handy spinner – all elements of Rachin Ravindra are perfect for the team to acquire him for long-term purposes. Though he had a shaky start in his first IPL appearance, his calibre signifies promise, which the Chennai Super Kings highly need. In 2024, he has made just 220 runs in ten matches, but it will be a terrain of a task for the side as many sides are willing to bid for him in the forthcoming Mega Auction.

The mega auction dates for the IPL 2025 were announced on Tuesday. The registered players’ names were also reported on the same night. A popular international all-rounder will miss the IPL 2025.

While October 31 was the retention deadline for all teams, the IPL 2025 mega auction will be organised in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on November 24 and 25. There are 204 slots available for the mega auction. 

A total of 1574 players, including 1165 Indians and 409 overseas players, have registered for the upcoming mega auction. However, before the mega auction, the long list will be shrunk after receiving the inputs from the franchises. 

Meanwhile, ESPNcricinfo has also brought an important update about the names of the top registered players for the mega auction.   

SEE ALSO: IPL 2025: Top 5 Worst Retentions during the 2025 IPL Mega Auction

Ben Stokes likely to miss IPL 2025

According to ESPNcricinfo reports, the English all-rounder Ben Stokes, who last played IPL in 2023, isn’t on the list of the registered players’ names for the upcoming mega auction. 

Stokes was the most valuable player in the IPL 2017, which was his first IPL season. However, he has hardly played IPL since 2021. While he played only one match for Rajasthan Royals in the IPL 2021 before suffering a finger injury, he missed out on the IPL 2022 season because he wanted to focus on Test cricket. 

After Chennai Super Kings bought Stokes for INR 16.25 crore for the IPL 2023, he played only two matches that season as the knee injury and later international duty forced him to remain unavailable for the IPL team. 

Like the auction for the IPL 2024, Stokes is reportedly not present for the IPL 2025 mega auction. It also means that the all-rounder will miss the subsequent mini-auctions.

Will James Anderson make his IPL debut?

While the upcoming mega auction will see many great international players, former England pacer James Anderson is also a surprising name on the list. While Anderson last played a T20 match in 2014, he has never experienced the IPL. According to an ESPNcricinfo report, Anderson has a base price of INR 1.25 crore.

Indian players in the highest base price

Talking about the highest base price for the upcoming mega auction, many Indian cricketers are in the INR 2 crore base price list. Injured Mohammed Shami, who hasn’t played a cricket match since the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 final against Australia in November 2023, including missing out on the IPL 2024, is also standing in the highest base price list.  

The other Indian players’ names in the INR 2 crore base price list for the upcoming mega auctions are Rishabh Pant, KL Rahul, Shreyas Iyer, Ravichandran Ashwin, Yuzvendra Chahal, Khaleel Ahmed, Deepak Chahar, Venkatesh Iyer, Avesh Khan, Ishan Kishan, Mukesh Kumar, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Prasidh Krishna, T Natarajan, Devdutt Padikkal, Krunal Pandya, Harshal Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Washington Sundar, Shardul Thakur, Mohammed Siraj,  Umesh Yadav, etc.

The upcoming 2025 IPL edition will see a Mega Auction with all ten franchises undergoing a significant restructuring. The recent announcement of the retention lists has been a talking point amongst several cricket fanatics, as there has been a mix of both expected and unexpected names getting released.

As it implies, there have been many critics who have got a mixed bag of opinions pertaining to the retained names across all the teams, be it relating to the amount paid for its retention or some shocking releases. That said, here are the five worst retentions made by the teams before the 2025 IPL Mega Auction, based on their performance and price point.

Shimron Hetmyer (Rajasthan Royals- INR 11 Crore)

Shimron Hetmyer, the Caribbean swashbuckling bat for the Rajasthan Royals, made another, despite having international talents like Jos Buttler, Yuzvendra Chahal, and Trent Boult on their roster. This is one of the most perplexing retentions by the inaugural champions, considering whether his INR 11 Crore price tag justifies his cricketing abilities.

With colossal options and no Right-to-Match cards available now, it is one of the worst retentions that hasn't given its reasons for staying with the team. In his 2024 stint, he has made just 113 runs in 12 matches, averaging a mediocre 23. 

Dhruv Jurel (Rajasthan Royals- INR 14 Crore)

The Rajasthan Royals took an unusual yet brave step by keeping uncapped wicketkeeper-batsman Dhruv Jurel for a whopping INR 14 crore ahead of the IPL 2025. Just to Shimron Hetmyer's retention dilemma, the Royals had a plethora of seasoned and superior combatants at their disposal.

Various critics have questioned Jurel's retention. Though the batter has played an essential part in fortifying his middle order, his price does not appear justified. He has scored just 195 runs in 14 matches for the Rajasthan Royals in 2024, with an average of more than 25.  

Mayank Yadav (Lucknow Super Giants- INR 11 Crore)

Mayank Yadav demonstrated his abilities in his first IPL season, becoming a budding star with Lucknow SuperGiants. So, given his quick bowling, the SuperGiants kept him for a staggering INR 11 crore. Typically, if a team pays such a large sum to a fast bowler, it expects him to lead the bowling department. Mayank has all the potential to spearhead LSG's pace battery, but as a hit-the-deck bowler, he is prone to back injuries.

Also, he recently returned from an injury that kept him out of the IPL 2024. With so many possibilities in the big auction pool, the Super Giants might have dragged him back at a lesser price. This deal appears to be motivated by desperation and might have been done more effectively. In his 2024 stint, he has scalped seven wickets at an impeccable economy of less than seven in just four appearances.

Also Read: IPL 2025: Top 5 Best Retentions during the 2025 IPL Mega Auction

Ravindra Jadeja (Chennai Super Kings- INR 18 Crore)

Ravindra Jadeja, the dependable Indian all-rounder, has been a part of every aspect of the Chennai Super Kings' journey, demonstrating his importance to the Yellove Army. However, given his age and athleticism, his INR 18 crore price tag is quite surprising. Jadeja, a true all-rounder, has recently been sidelined by a problematic knee, which the Super Kings must have known about.

The franchise could have paid Jadeja less, conserving money for the big auction or investing in other youngsters or other promising players on the roster, especially with the likes of Rachin Ravindran, Maheesh Theekshana and Devon Conway. During his 2024 edition spell, he played 14 matches, scoring 267 runs and taking eight wickets.

Yash Dayal (Royal Challengers Bengaluru- INR 5 Crore)

Yash Dayal, the fast-paced player, has been retained by Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) for INR 5 crore ahead of the 2025 IPL season. This move created news, especially since the club released its quick stalwart, Mohammed Siraj, making him one of the franchise's mediocre retention choices. The left-arm pacer has experienced a roller coaster ride in the cash-rich league thus far.

Many people believed his career would never recover after Rinku Singh smacked him for five consecutive sixes in the IPL 2023. However, RCB's trust in the left-arm bowler throughout the 2024 season, notably in a vital match against Chennai Super Kings, led to his breakout moment. In the 2024 edition, he took 15 wickets in 14 games. 

The 2025 edition of the Indian Premier League will unfold in the mode of a Mega Auction. The recent news of the retention list being released by the ten participating franchises has stirred up a lot of talk, primarily relating to some shocking releases of commendable contributors to their respective teams.

Though it also comprises the right performers being retained, the upcoming mega auctions would be a wild ride, with several top names making an entry under the hammer. But, there have been some retentions that were a steal and absolutely worth it. That said, here's a list of the top 5 best retentions made before the start of the 2025 IPL Mega Auction.

Jasprit Bumrah (Mumbai Indians- INR 18 Crore)

Jasprit Bumrah has been hailed as one of the best fast bowlers in the modern cricketing generation. Arising as a 2013 young pacer with Mumbai Indians, Bumrah's evolution as a reliable quickie is something not to forget. He has done it all, be it giving a nightmare to the batters in the powerplay or turning the game around by taking wickets during the final stages.

It was unsurprising to find his career shuttler retaining him for the highest amount of INR 18 Crore, signifying his importance in the future. In his 2024 IPL stint, he was the lone warrior in Mumbai Indians' disastrous campaign by scalping 20 wickets in 14 matches, making him the third-highest wicket-taker of that edition. 

Nitish Kumar Reddy (Sunrisers Hyderabad- INR 6 Crore)

Sunrisers Hyderabad has become one of the franchises that has given several emerging cricketers who have grown and significantly impacted the sporting world. Nitish Kumar Reddy is an emerging player from the Orange Army who has caught fanatics' eyes thanks to his commendable all-rounder performances in just a few appearances.

He was awarded the Emerging Player of the Tournament for his colossal 303 runs and three wickets in 13 matches. With him making a stellar international debut in the recent T20I series Bangladesh, it is not surprising to find him getting retained for just INR 6 Crores, which is a steal. 

Tilak Varma (Mumbai Indians- INR 8 Crore)

Tilak Varma is another emerging season campaigner who helped bolster Mumbai Indians' middle-order attack in the previous edition. By retaining him for INR 8 Crore, there is no doubt that it was a steal deal, as they primarily focused on the future prospects and were eager to have players onboarded for the long run.

Though they had many options to retain, Tilak Varma completes the balance quotient for the Mumbai Indians retention list, as it already comprises two strong top-order batters (Rohit Sharma & Suryakumar Yadav), one lethal pacer (Jasprit Bumrah) and a reliable captain all-rounder (Hardik Pandya). In his 2024 tenure, Varma has made 416 runs in 13 matches at a commendable average of over 42. 

Also Read: IPL 2025: Top 5 Worst Retentions during the 2025 IPL Mega Auction

Rinku Singh (Kolkata Knight Riders- INR 13 Crore)

Rinku Singh joined the Knight Riders in 2018 for a base fee of Rs 50 lakh and has remained with them since then. In his first few seasons, he did not get enough playing time. However, since 2023, he has increased in prominence. He became one of KKR's top finishers, capable of leading them to victory even in challenging situations. Rinku demonstrated the ability to maintain his calm under pressure.

As his success shows, he was retained by the Kolkata Knight Riders for a staggering INR 13 crore, signifying a 2264% hike. This also demonstrates how hard work and growth go hand in hand. In the 2024 edition, Rinku Singh made 168 runs in 14 matches, which might indicate low numbers, but the swashbuckling batter has always been a vital asset to the three-time champions. 

Sai Sudharshan (Gujarat Titans- INR 8.5 Crore)

Sai Sudharshan is another name to be added to the best retention list and an emerging player to check out. The Gujarat Giants retention list comprises an optimum mix of experienced and emerging players, with Sudharshan on the emerging side. Starting with a base salary of just INR 20 Lakh, he will get an enormous INR 8.5 Crore, indicating a 4150% hike.

His clean and power-hitting approach has brought him to fame; hence, this result is shown in the retention list of the 2022 champions. He had a memorable time with the bat in the previous edition, as he made 527 runs in just 12 matches with a century, making him the highest run-scorer for the team during that tournament.