Indian wicket-keeper batter Rishabh Pant is arguably the in-demand name in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 mega auction. He clarified that his departure from Delhi Capitals was not due to any disagreement with the franchise regarding his retention fee. Pant responded after Sunil Gavaskar suggested that he might have left the franchise due to a dispute over his retention fee. However, Pant confirmed this wasn't true.

Star Sports shared a video ahead of the IPL 2025 Mega Auction, Sunil Gavaskar said that sometimes players may leave their franchises to understand their true value in auction. As Pant's case isn't the same, Gavaskar expects that the wicketkeeper batter will be targeted by Delhi once again in the Auction.

See Also:- Daniel Vettori to attend IPL Auction amid First BGT Test

Sunil Gavaskar talks about Pant returning to Delhi Capitals

"Delhi would certainly want Rishabh Pant back in the squad. Sometimes when a player is to be retained, there is talk between the player and franchise about the fees that is expected. As you can see, some of the players who have been retained by the franchise, they've gone for more than what the No. 1 retention fee would've been. Maybe there was some disagreement over there (fees). "My feeling is Delhi would definitely want Pant back because they need a captain as well. If Rishabh Pant is not in their squad then they have to look for a new captain,".

The curious case of Rishabh Pant & Delhi! 🧐

🗣 Hear it from #SunilGavaskar as he talks about the possibility of @RishabhPant17 returning to the Delhi Capitals!

📺 Watch #IPLAuction 👉 NOV 24th & 25th, 2:30 PM onwards on Star Sports Network & JioCinema! pic.twitter.com/ugrlilKj96

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) November 19, 2024

Reacting to the video, Pant said his departure from the franchise wasn't about money.

"My retention wasn't about the money for sure that I can say," Rishabh Pant said in his reply to the post on X, formerly Twitter.

Rishabh Pant is expected to have all 10 franchised bidding for him. But as per the purse, he will likely join Punjab Kings, Lucknow Supergiants, or Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Even his return to DC via RTM can be ruled out.

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.

England Test captain and all-rounder Ben Stokes has marked himself unavailable for the mega auction for a second straight season in a row. The decision comes as the star all-rounder wants to prolong his red-ball career over franchise cricket. As per current IPL regulations, any overseas player opting out of the mega auction will automatically be ineligible for selection in the next year's IPL season. 

Such has been the case with Ben Stokes. As per the player registration list unveiled by the BCCI, there has been no mention of Stokes' name in that list which effectively keeps him out of action till 2027. 

What are these stringent measures introduced now by BCCI?

Traditionally, the BCCI offered a lot of flexibility to the overseas players to omit mega auctions and rather make inroads via mini auctions which would often result in hefty contracts. Stokes, in particular, benefitted the most from this practice. After skipping the 2022 IPL mega auction, Stokes made an entry in the 2023 IPL season and by doing so attracted a whopping contract worth Rs. 16.25 crore bid from the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at the mini-auction.

But as the current situation stands, such leeway is now being taken away by the governing authority. This move has been put in place to discourage overseas players from entering the mini-auction at potentially higher bids. Moreover, the screws have been further tightened by the BCCI which will now hand a two-year ban to any player who withdraws after being picked up in the auction. These measures have been reinstated in a bid to foster consistency and dependability within the franchises.

What does the future hold for Stokes & Root? 

Both Stokes and Root will miss out on the upcoming IPL season and will continue to wait on the sidelines till the year 2027. Stokes has been a key asset in the IPL marketplace with his ongoing valuation expected to range between Rs 15-20 crore. Root, on the other hand, was picked for his base price of Rs. 1 crore at the 2023 IPL auction and played three matches for Rajasthan Royals, scoring 10 runs and bowling two overs without picking a wicket. The English duo will have to enter through a likely mini-auction format as per the current regulations.   

See also: WPL 2025 retention names revealed; T20 WC winner released

In a major turn of events, Indian wicketkeeper batter Wriddhiman Saha announced his retirement from all forms of cricket through a social media post on Twitter. This shocking development was made public on Sunday, Saha, aged 40, is currently representing his side Bengal in the ongoing Ranji Trophy season. The veteran wicket-keeper hints to his fans that this will be the last domestic season of his career.

Saha predominately lived under the shadows of the star wicket-keeper MS Dhoni but still went on to make sporadic international appearances for India in 40 Tests and nine ODIs. He made these limited opportunities count and played some noteworthy knocks for his side across formats. After MS Dhoni, Saha was considered India's go-to option for a wicket-keeper-batter in red-ball cricket for quite some  

In his overall Test career, the Bengal wicket-keeper batter amassed 1353 runs which included three centuries making him the second player after MS Dhoni and Rishab Pant to hold the most number of Test centuries as a wicket-keeper batter. 

See Also: R Ashwin breaks Anil Kumble's 18-year-old record at Wankhede

Saha’s emotional tweet on X

On Sunday, Saha took to his X handle (formerly Twitter) to announce that he will no longer feature for his first-class side in domestic cricket. He expressed his heartfelt gratitude for being associated with the game for this long and extended his vote of thanks to everyone who was involved in nurturing him during his cricketing career.

After a cherished journey in cricket, this season will be my last. I’m honored to represent Bengal one final time, playing only in the Ranji Trophy before I retire. Let’s make this season one to remember! pic.twitter.com/sGElgZuqfP

— Wriddhiman Saha (@Wriddhipops) November 3, 2024

Speculations are also rife that Saha may not feature in the upcoming IPL season. As per reports, the 40-year-old has not enrolled himself for the meg auction which is expected to be held later this month. Although a public announcement is yet to be made regarding his participation in the IPL, experts suggest that an announcement may come soon just before the auction kicks off. 

Saha has not been retained by his franchise Gujarat Titans (GT) this year and hence there is a high possibility that we may not see him in action anymore in the IPL. In addition to representing GT for three years, Saha has also represented five more franchises in his IPL career which include Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Punjab Kings (PBKS), and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH)

The famous Eden Gardens in Kolkata is all set to undergo a massive makeover in 2025 before the T20 World Cup 2026. For the same reason, defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders may have to move their base to some other place for a few if not all the matches. And, Tripura becomes the frontrunner as it could host the IPL as well.

KKR to play a few games at Narsingarh

Notably, the construction for the international cricket stadium at Narsingarh started way back in 2017 for an estimated cost of INR 185 crore and the stadium is now nearly ready to host matches as well. Tripura Cricket Association secretary Subrata Dey also confirmed that the stadium will be ready by February 2025 as well. He also confirmed that the stadium could host KKR or some other state as well.

“IPL chairman Arun Kumar Dhumal recently visited the proposed international stadium at Narsingarh on the outskirts of the state capital. He said if the stadium’s is ready before February next year, it could be made second home ground of KKR or some else other state will get the benefit,” Subarta was quoted as saying by News18.

SEE ALSO: Watch: Rohit Sharma's Playful 'Rohit Bhai RCB Me Aa Jao Yaar' Query Goes Viral

TCA secretary hopeful of hosting KKR games

“Since it is a golden chance to host IPL matches at the proposed stadium, we have summoned a reputed construction agency to expedite work and get it completed by February 2025. The TCA will review the construction work and if the agency fails to meet the deadline, we will terminate it and engage a new firm to complete the remaining work,” he further added.

However, the deadline to set up the stadium was 22 months but it has taken seven years since the project started as well. The TCA has also asked the firm to finish the rest of the work in the stipulated time as he is assured of hosting at least two of KKR’s games next year as well.

“If we could complete the stadium’s work by February next year, I am confident of hosting at least two IPL matches of KKR at Narsingarh International Cricket Stadium”, he said.

As all 10 franchises gear up to lock horns in the upcoming mega auction in Riyadh later this month, most of their quest will be centered around looking for a new captain. The Indian wicketkeepers featuring the likes of Rishab Pant, KL Rahul, and Shreyas Iyer will also be in contention in this year’s mega auction race. 

As many as four IPL franchises have released their respective captains ahead of the grand Riyadh auction. Faf has been released by RCB, KL Rahul released by LSG, Pant released by DC, and Iyer released by the defending champions KKR to name a few. With sweeping changes expected across the horizon, we highlight some common problems the franchises are expected to encounter in this forthcoming auction. 

Common headaches for all franchises ahead of the IPL auction

As we have now learnt, teams have expressed their desire to let go of their captains. The exit of the past skippers will undoubtedly leave a power vacuum. KKR, RCB, LSG, and DC will be without their former captains who performed remarkably well for them over the years. The gap can also result in decreased performance and impact on the field as well as off-the-field relationships between the players and the coaching staff. In other words, with new talent onboard, success may not always be guaranteed as the players and the management need to starch from scratch while forging new relations. 

Besides, the departure of other veteran players like Pant or Iyer can leave the team vulnerable on the biggest of stages. Iyer, who was the winning captain of KRR last year comes with a lot of experience and the franchise could have certainly benefitted from him once again in the next season. However, the arrival of a fresh captain can potentially change the dynamics and the composure of the KKR team for the worse. 

While some teams are on the lookout for fresh talent to lead their side, others are also gearing up to find match-winners in the form of wicket-keepers such as Rishab Pant and KL Rahul.  The franchises will have a lot of tough decisions to make as we fast approach the mega auction so don't be surprised if they make any move out of the ordinary.  

The deadline for IPL retentions has been surpassed and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have made the decision to retain Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ravindra Jadeja, Shivam Dube, Matheesha Pathirana, and MS Dhoni who will now feature as an uncapped player following his international retirement in 2019. This gives them the cushion of a staggering 55 crore in their purse enabling them to recruit a new face in the next IPL season. 

While their attention may be on the star wicket-keeper batter Rishab Pant who is all but released by the Delhi Capitals, the Chennai-based outfit may face stiff competition as other franchises will also be vying to secure his services. In such a scenario, the veteran spin-bowling all-rounder Ravi Ashwin emerges as a likely candidate who CSK could be after in this mega auction. The 38-year-old was a key figure in the CSk squad before parting ways in 2015. 

A potential return on the cards for Ravi Ashwin

According to emerging reports, Ashwin made a startling confession to play for his old franchise Chennai Super Kings. Ashwin was previously associated with the Yellow Brigade since the inception of IPL in 2008. During his formative years, CSK played a pivotal role in shaping his professional cricketing career. He evolved as a player under the leadership of MS Dhoni and was primarily responsible for driving the dominance of the franchise in the early 2010s.

Ashwin has claimed an astonishing 120 wickets for the CSK at a very competitive average of 23.7 between the period of 2009 and 2015. He is the third-highest wicket-taker for CSK in the IPL and is more than a handy customer with the bat lower down the order. Ashwin’s addition to the CSK squad can certainly bolster CSK’s spin bowling department. The off-spinner can operate in tandem with Ravindra Jadeja to wreak havoc on the batters on a spin-friendly Chennai pitch. 

Furthermore, the report suggests that CSK is likely to utilize their Right to Match (RTM) card for the experienced New Zealand opener, Devon Conway. The left-handed batsman has delivered commendable performances for the Chennai franchise, accumulating 924 runs at an impressive average of 48.63 and a strike rate of 141.28.

Following the IPL 2025 retention announcements, Rajasthan Royals coach Rahul Dravid emphasized the importance of a strong core to foster team cohesion and success. By retaining captain Sanju Samson, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Riyan Parag, Shimron Hetmyer, Dhruv Jurel, and Sandeep Sharma, Dravid aims to build a competitive squad with a focus on loyalty and talent, keeping Rs 41 crore in the franchise's purse for the upcoming auction.

Dravid’s vision: Core players and team loyalty

Rahul Dravid, renowned for his approach to player development, elaborated on the Royals' strategy for retention, underscoring the value of a core group for sustained performance. He explained, "We have a lot of talented players who have performed well. We trust our talent, and we also want to maintain the core and build the team around it. A loyal core provides stability and reflects a franchise's commitment to its players."

This approach aligns with Dravid’s long-standing philosophy of nurturing talent while maintaining squad consistency, a quality he believes is vital for team spirit and loyalty. By retaining these six players, Dravid hopes to foster a close-knit team culture that can endure the high-stakes competition in the IPL.

With Rs 41 crore remaining in their budget, the Royals enter the auction with ample resources but no Right to Match (RTM) cards, meaning they must strategize carefully to build around the retained core. Dravid expressed confidence in their financial flexibility, suggesting that the Royals are well-prepared to secure additional high-impact players who align with their established core.

 

 

 

 

 

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Key players released: Pant and KL Rahul return to the auction pool

Elsewhere, the IPL 2025 retention deadline saw several high-profile players, including Rishabh Pant and KL Rahul, released by their respective franchises. Pant, with over 100 matches for Delhi Capitals, returns to the auction pool, adding a valuable wicketkeeper-batsman to the market. KL Rahul, who led the Lucknow Super Giants since 2022, is another standout release, expected to attract significant bids at the auction.

According to sources, Chennai Super Kings are already strategizing to bring Rishabh Pant to the MA Chidambaram Stadium, with their management keen to add his experience and skillset to their lineup.

See Also: Will Young’s resilient 50 counters Sundar’s double strike in Mumbai Test

Dravid’s strategy of retaining a core group reflects a broader trend among IPL franchises, where team identity and loyalty are increasingly prioritized. Teams like the Royals aim to create a blend of stability and performance, focusing on nurturing talent that resonates with their ethos and vision. This approach not only enhances performance but also deepens the connection between players and their franchises, adding a layer of brand loyalty and fan engagement.

With the auction approaching, it will be interesting to see how the Rajasthan Royals and other franchises use their budgets and retention strategies to secure a winning combination for the 2025 season.

Veteran RCB star batter Virat Kohli shared his happiness over being retained by the franchise before the IPL 2025 mega auction. He also said that the goal of the franchise would be to win the IPL title at least once in the three-year cycle. Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar and Yash Dayal are the three players retained by the Royal Challengers Bengaluru franchise ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction. However, Kohli was retained for a massive price of Rs 21 crore, which further extended his association with the franchise to 18 years as well.

"Hi Guys, a big hello to everyone at RCB, the fans, the people involved. Behind the scenes. The management, everyone. I'm sending out this message to inform everyone that l've been retained by RCB once again for the three-year cycle of the IPL, beginning next year, and I'm super excited as ever. Everyone knows what RCB means to me. It's been a very, very special relationship over so many years which continues to grow stronger and what I've experienced playing for RCB is truly, truly special, and I hope the fans and everyone who's connected to a franchise feels the same way. At the end of this cycle it's going to be 20 years that l am going to play for RCB and then that in itself is an honour," Virat Kohli said in a video posted by the RCB on their social media.

SEE ALSO: Watch: Rohit Sharma's Playful 'Rohit Bhai RCB Me Aa Jao Yaar' Query Goes Viral

RCB's goal to win the IPL title once

"Something that we were really looking forward to as a franchise, as a team and also just looking ahead to this cycle all next year. Obviously, the goal is to win the IPL title at least once in the next cycle, and we're going to give it our best shot as always and try to make everyone proud of the way we play. So a big shout-out to the fans for your unwavering support over so many years. Really grateful, really thankful and l'l see you guys very soon. At Chinnaswamy. One cheers. Take care," he added.

Watch the video here-

“𝐀𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐞𝐧𝐝 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝟑-𝐲𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝐜𝐲𝐜𝐥𝐞 𝐢𝐭 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐛𝐞 𝟐𝟎 𝐲𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐬 𝐚𝐭 𝐑𝐂𝐁 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐢𝐭𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐟 𝐢𝐬 𝐚 𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐟𝐞𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠.”

King Kohli expresses his feelings and aspirations for the upcoming IPL ahead of the Mega Auction… pic.twitter.com/aKZEv8mtYf

— Royal Challengers Bengaluru (@RCBTweets) October 31, 2024

It will be interesting to see how Royal Challengers Bengaluru will perform in the upcoming season as well.

Heinrich Klaasen has emerged as one of the most explosive batters in T20 cricket, known for his ruthless power-hitting and the ability to dismantle any bowling attack in the shortest format. A consistent performer with a devastating strike rate of 168.3, Klaasen has amassed 993 runs across 32 IPL matches, boasting an average of 38.2. His uncanny knack for hitting boundaries, coupled with an impressive 104 fours and 56 sixes, makes him a bowler's nightmare, especially in the pressure-laden death overs. These late overs see Klaasen at his best, where his strike rate skyrockets to an astonishing 192.8, piling up 403 runs off just 209 deliveries and further establishing his reputation as a game-changing finisher.

Klaasen’s IPL journey began with the Royal Challengers Bangalore, then he moved to the Rajasthan Royals, before finally finding his groove with the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). At SRH, he has not only flourished but also delivered his most impactful performances, staking his claim as one of the top T20 finishers in the league. His lethal ability to finish games has filled a critical gap for SRH, where his aggressive yet calculated approach at the crease has made him invaluable. With his current form and match-winning prowess, Klaasen stands as a premier T20 finisher, redefining late-innings power play in the IPL.

See Also: Tony de Zorzi Powers South Africa's Steady March Toward the WTC Finals

Is Retaining Heinrich Klaasen for ₹23 Crore Justified?

Heinrich Klaasen has emerged as one of the most explosive batters in T20 cricket, renowned for his ruthless power-hitting and ability to dismantle any bowling attack in the shortest format. With a devastating strike rate of 168.3, he has accumulated 993 runs across 32 IPL matches, averaging an impressive 38.2. Klaasen's uncanny knack for finding boundaries is evident in his impressive tally of 104 fours and 56 sixes, making him a bowler's nightmare, especially in pressure-laden death overs. These late innings have become his playground, where his strike rate skyrockets to a staggering 192.8, underscoring his reputation as a game-changing finisher.

Klaasen’s IPL journey began with the Royal Challengers Bangalore before he moved to the Rajasthan Royals and ultimately found his stride with Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). At SRH, he has not only flourished but also delivered his most impactful performances, staking his claim as one of the top T20 finishers in the league. His lethal ability to finish games has filled a critical gap for SRH, where his aggressive yet calculated approach at the crease has made him invaluable. Klaasen's current form and match-winning prowess position him as a premier T20 finisher, redefining late-innings power play in the IPL.

The pressure situations of death overs are where Klaasen truly shines. Facing 209 balls in these high-stakes moments, he has scored 403 runs at a remarkable strike rate of 192.8. His ability to consistently find the boundary is highlighted by his tally of 54 boundaries and 25 sixes, demonstrating his power and precision when it matters most. With a death-over average of 28.8, Klaasen has established himself as a batter who can be relied upon to deliver in crunch situations. Compared to his peers, his exceptional boundary conversion rate sets him apart, marking him as a crucial player in tight matches.

A deeper analysis of Klaasen’s performance reveals a strong correlation between his Boundary Run Percentage (BR%) and Strike Rate (SR), where he boasts a BR% of 69.55 and a phenomenal strike rate of 201.12. This correlation indicates that his ability to clear the ropes consistently contributes significantly to his overall scoring. While other high-strike-rate batters, such as Dinesh Karthik and Shivam Dube, also show positive correlations between BR% and SR, Klaasen’s unmatched numbers highlight his unique capacity to maximize boundary efficiency and maintain momentum, especially towards the end of the innings.

In conclusion, Klaasen’s rise as a premier T20 finisher is a direct result of his boundary-hitting efficiency and high strike rate, particularly in death-over situations. His impressive statistics reflect his significant impact on the game, particularly in tight match scenarios. Given his exceptional performance and crucial role in these situations, the question arises: is Heinrich Klaasen worth ₹23 crore? The answer is a resounding yes. His ability to perform under pressure, combined with his match-winning capabilities, justifies such an investment. In modern T20 cricket, effective finishers like Klaasen are invaluable assets, making him a worthy candidate for retention at this price.

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