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. 

In a recent development, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has unveiled the squads for the second round of the Duleep Trophy. Notably, many players selected for India's opening Test against Bangladesh, including prominent names like Rishabh Pant, KL Rahul, and Shubman Gill, have been withdrawn from the Duleep Trophy. However, the scenario is different for Sarfaraz Khan and Yash Dayal, who have both been asked to continue their participation in the Duleep Trophy despite their inclusion in the Test squad.

Sarfaraz Khan and Yash Dayal retain Duleep Trophy duties

Sarfaraz Khan and Yash Dayal, both of whom are part of India's 16-man squad for the first Test against Bangladesh, will continue to play in the Duleep Trophy. This decision indicates that they are unlikely to be included in the playing eleven for the Test match scheduled to take place in Chennai. The BCCI's move suggests a strategic approach, potentially to maintain their form and fitness leading up to the Test series.

Impact on team selection and player competitions

Sarfaraz Khan’s continued participation in the Duleep Trophy suggests that KL Rahul is likely to secure a spot in India’s Test XI. Khan and Rahul were viewed as direct competitors for a middle-order position, and Khan’s presence in the Duleep Trophy aligns with Rahul’s probable inclusion in the Test squad. Meanwhile, there have been no changes to the India C squad led by Ruturaj Gaikwad. Noteworthy performances have been observed from Pant, Rahul, and Akash Deep in the Duleep Trophy opener, indicating a promising return to form for these players.

The BCCI, in a release ahead of the second round of Duleep Trophy matches, said: "India B's Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rishabh Pant have been named in India's squad and the selectors have named Suyash Prabhudessai and Rinku Singh as replacements respectively. Fast bowler Yash Dayal has received his maiden national call-up while Sarfaraz Khan, who too has been named in India's squad, will feature in the second-round game."

See Also: Watch: Chahal shines with 5-wicket haul for Northamptonshire in County Championship

Updated India A squad: Mayank Agarwal (C), Riyan Parag, Tilak Varma, Shivam Dube, Tanush Kotian, Prasidh Krishna, Khaleel Ahmed, Avesh Khan, Kumar Kushagra, Shaswat Rawat, Pratham Singh, Akshay Wadkar, SK Rasheed, Shams Mulani, Aaqib Khan

Updated India B squad: Abhimanyu Easwaran (C), Sarfaraz Khan, Musheer Khan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar, Navdeep Saini, Mukesh Kumar, Rahul Chahar, R Sai Kishore, Mohit Awasthi, N Jagadeesan (WK), Suyash Prabhudessai, Rinku Singh, Himanshu Mantri (WK)

Team C squad remains unchanged for the second round. 

Updated India D squad: Shreyas lyer (C), Atharva Taide, Yash Dubey, Devdutt Padikkal, Ricky Bhui, Saransh Jain, Arshdeep Singh, Aditya Thakare, Harshit Rana, Akash Sengupta, KS Bharat (WK), Saurabh Kumar, Sanju Samson (WK), Nishant Sindhu, Vidwath Kaverappa

Indian pacer Yash Dayal has experienced the highs and lows of cricket in the past two years, with his latest achievement marking a full-circle moment in his career. Dayal has been named in India's Test squad for the upcoming two-match series against Bangladesh, a significant milestone after an emotionally challenging IPL season in 2023. His journey to redemption is a story of perseverance, determination, and hard work, proving that setbacks are merely stepping stones to success.

IPL 2023 setback: Five sixes that shook Dayal’s world

Yash Dayal’s IPL 2023 experience with the Gujarat Titans will be remembered for an unfortunate event in a match against Kolkata Knight Riders, where Rinku Singh smashed five consecutive sixes off his over. This moment became one of the season's defining scenes, leaving the young bowler devastated. The pressure took its toll, not only on Dayal but also on his family. His mother reportedly fell ill and refused to eat after witnessing the public criticism directed at her son. For Dayal, it was an emotionally taxing period that could have easily ended his cricketing journey. However, instead of letting this moment define him, Dayal chose to rebuild himself both mentally and physically.

"Bhagwan downfall kitna bhi bura de par comeback Yash Dayal jaisa de"

From severe clinical depression in 2023 to making the Indian team in 2024 ❤️ pic.twitter.com/ZvNN1Gc8PR

— Sameer Allana (@HitmanCricket) September 8, 2024

From getting hit for 5 sixes in an over in IPL to getting a call for the Indian team.

Yash Dayal has come a long way, hard work always pays off and times always change, what a story. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/cfARqCbrA0

— Vishal. (@SPORTYVISHAL) September 8, 2024

Domestic success and maiden India call-up

After taking some time away from the game to regroup, Dayal returned with a focused mindset, starting with the Duleep Trophy 2024, where his bowling performance impressed selectors. He continued his form into the IPL 2024 season, now representing Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), where he claimed 15 wickets in 14 matches, showcasing his newfound maturity and ability to handle pressure situations. This revival paved the way for his selection in India’s Test squad for the Bangladesh series, beginning on September 19. Fans have been quick to celebrate his comeback, acknowledging his incredible journey from being on the receiving end of five consecutive sixes to earning a place on the national team.

See Also: Rishabh Pant returns, BCCI announces first Test squad

As Dayal prepares to embark on his maiden Test series, he is a testament to resilience in the face of adversity. His inspiring journey reflects the power of perseverance, and as India’s home season kicks off, all eyes will be on Yash Dayal, ready to take his place on the international stage.

Team India: Rohit Sharma (C), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, Sarfaraz Khan, Rishabh Pant (WK), Dhruv Jurel (WK), R Ashwin, R Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohd. Siraj, Akash Deep, Jasprit Bumrah, Yash Dayal.

Yash Dayal, the left-arm pacer from Uttar Pradesh, has been signed by Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) for the upcoming season of the Indian Premier League (IPL). Registering himself at a base price of Rs 20 lakhs, Dayal became the subject of a bidding war between RCB and Gujarat Titans. Ultimately, Royal Challengers Bangalore secured his services for a sum of Rs 5 crores. Yash Dayal is aiming for a strong comeback in IPL 2024 following a challenging outing in the previous season (2023). 

His performance in a particular match saw him on the receiving end of a monumental knock from Rinku Singh, who hit him for consecutive sixes in the last over, orchestrating a miraculous win for the Kolkata Knight Riders. As Yash Dayal joins the Royal Challengers Bangalore squad, he will be looking to put past experiences behind him and make a significant impact with his left-arm pace. The franchise’s investment in him reflects their confidence in his abilities.

How will Yash Dayal be helpful for the Royal Challengers Bangalore?

Yash Dayal’s inclusion in the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) squad adds variety to their pace attack, complementing the likes of Mohammad Siraj, Alzarri Joseph, and Lockie Ferguson. As a left-arm pacer, Dayal brings a different angle to the team’s bowling options. However, analyzing his performance in the IPL 2023, especially in death overs, reveals a mixed bag.

While Dayal’s overall stats may not meet expectations, his potential for improvement and adaptability are evident. As he dons the RCB jersey in the upcoming IPL season, fans will be curious to see how he fares and whether he can justify the significant investment of 5 crores made by the franchise. It will be an interesting chapter in Dayal’s career, and the IPL platform provides an opportunity for him to showcase his skills and contribute to RCB’s success.

Yash Dayal’s performances in the tournament will be closely scrutinized, and he will have the chance to demonstrate his skills, make a positive impact, and contribute to the team’s success. The IPL platform often serves as a turning point for players, and Yash Dayal’s journey in the upcoming season will be closely followed to see how well he adapts to the challenges and expectations placed on him by the franchise and fans can anticipate an eager and determined Yash Dayal in the upcoming IPL season.

In conclusion, the substantial investment of 5 crores for Yash Dayal by Royal Challengers Bangalore suggests that he has been overpaid by the franchise, considering his past performances and the competitive nature of the IPL auction. However, the upcoming IPL season will be a pivotal opportunity for Yash Dayal to prove his worth and justify the faith RCB has placed in him. As he takes on the significant responsibility within the RCB pace attack, it is highly likely that he will feature prominently in the playing XI.