IPL 2025: Top Franchises Retain Star Players, Klaasen Sets Record-Breaking Rs 23 Cr Retention

As the much-awaited IPL 2025 season approaches, franchises have officially revealed their retentions, with a staggering Rs 23 crore spent on Heinrich Klaasen by Sunrisers Hyderabad, marking the highest retention fee in IPL history. With big names retained and others surprisingly released, the upcoming mega auction promises high drama and intense bidding wars as teams finalize their squads for the season. Major franchises like Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bangalore have held onto their star players, setting the stage for an electrifying season ahead.

While many star players found a secure place in their franchise, some surprising releases kept fans on edge. For instance, top Indian talents like KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant, and Shreyas Iyer, often regarded as future captains of the national team, were not retained by their respective franchises. In contrast, heavyweights like Virat Kohli and MS Dhoni retained their strongholds, with Kohli fetching Rs 21 crore from RCB, though he soon saw his record shattered by Klaasen's monumental Rs 23 crore retention. The difference in retention choices reflects varied team strategies, with some focusing on core strength while others prepare for an auction overhaul.

Comparing Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings reveals contrasting retention strategies. Mumbai kept their core of Suryakumar Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Rohit Sharma, and Hardik Pandya intact, investing heavily in these players to ensure stability. On the other hand, CSK showed their loyalty to MS Dhoni, who was retained as an uncapped player for a modest Rs 4 crore, along with key players like Ruturaj Gaikwad and Ravindra Jadeja. Mumbai’s strategy indicates a focus on their established match-winners, while Chennai looks to maintain team balance with cost-effective moves, banking on Dhoni’s leadership even at a reduced price tag.

As fans eagerly await the 2025 season, the mega auction looms with anticipation. But one thing’s for sure: while some players may dream of joining franchises in high-stakes deals, others like MS Dhoni remind us that sometimes, the lowest price tag can bring the highest value. After all, when it comes to Dhoni, he’s priceless, whether at Rs 4 crore or Rs 40!