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. 

After scoring 43 in the 2nd Qualifier, Sai Sudharshan walked off retiring out realizing that his job has been done. On that day he struggled to get the ball moving as his timing evaded him. He made 43 off 31, a pretty good score, but given Shubman Gill’s innings before, and the nature of the surface Sudharshan needed to kick on.

In the Finals, Sai Sudharshan found himself in a similar situation, although much earlier. He was 10 off 12 at one stage and the fact that T20s are not his strongest format became evident. In the early parts of his career, Sai Sudharshan came into the light with his composure and his ability to play cricket steadily. Last season, and through most of this season too, Sai Sudharshan played some steady knocks with his focus on playing good cricketing shots rather than looking to force the ball to the fence.

His composure got Ravichandran Ashwin endorsing him as Ashwin bid heavily for him in the Tamil Nadu Premier League. The pair did not end up on the same side though but he did do the job for his team in the tournament as a new exciting talent from Tamil Nadu was on the rise. He was picked up by the Gujarat Titans at base price later, and took up the role as the sides anchor.

However, with Hardik Pandya moving up the order allowing for another bowler in the side, Sai Sudharshan’s role was reduced as he moved in and out of the side. Sudharshan though found his way back in the eleven after Hardik Pandya resumed his bowling duties, allowing Sudharshan to come back at number three.

He was put to the Test immediately and against the Chennai Super Kings, in the IPL Finals, the heat was on. His lack of big-hitting options was evident, but Sudharshan found his own style of play to set the ball rolling as he went on to scare the Chennai Super Kings. He took on Matheesha Pathirana in the 12th over and put Chennai’s death bowling specialist under pressure. With a good over under his belt, Sai Sudharshan was on his way and all of a sudden the gaps were coming with ease.

He did not spare any of the bowlers as Ravindra Jadeja conceded a six in the next over. The next thirty minutes were pure carnage as Sudharshan dug into Chennai’s death bowlers, Tushar Deshpande and Matheesha Pathirana. He showed his ability to play some innovative shots, and also displayed impressive stroke play as he managed to get under some good deliveries from Matheesha Pathirana.

The crowd was going wild as a special talent from Chennai was putting pressure on the Chennai Super Kings. He was dismissed in the Final Over for a well made 96, and on the way to his 96, Sai Sudharshan gave a really entertaining display. The T20 Format evidently is not his best, but when it mattered the most, Sudharshan managed to play a crucial innings, striking over 200 allowing Gujarat to get to a really strong total in the end.