The anticipation for the IPL 2025 season is building as teams have kicked off their practice sessions and strategizing. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced that the mega auction will take place in the last week of November or the first week of December. In a recent update, the BCCI clarified the rules surrounding player retention and the Right to Match (RTM) cards, setting the stage for an action-packed auction. Each franchise can retain up to six players, with a team purse of Rs. 120 crores.
Franchises are now actively considering their retention strategies, and the final list of retained players will be announced in late October. Notably, Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) has made headlines with indications that they are planning to retain key players like Pat Cummins, Heinrich Klaasen, and Travis Head. While Cummins, who commanded a whopping Rs. 18 crores, is expected to lead the bowling attack, Travis Head is anticipated to be the centerpiece of the batting lineup.
Head’s performance in the previous season solidified his place as a vital asset to SRH. Over the course of more than 15 matches, he amassed 567 runs with a blistering strike rate of 191.55. His impressive tally includes multiple half-centuries, underscoring his importance as a top-order batsman for SRH.
In addition to these players, SRH is also likely to retain all-rounders Abhishek Sharma and Nitish Kumar Reddy, with Sharma priced at Rs. 11 crores. These two players, alongside the reliable Bhuvneshwar Kumar, form the core of a well-balanced team capable of contending for the title. Furthermore, SRH is rumored to be using their RTM cards on players like Nitish Kumar Reddy and Travis Head, securing their lineup for the 2025 season.
Kavya Maran, the owner of SRH, has been closely involved in the selection process, carefully weighing the team’s options. Reports suggest that Maran has made the difficult decision to release a prominent player, a move that will undoubtedly impact the auction dynamics.
As the auction approaches, all eyes are on the franchises to see who will be retained and which marquee players will enter the auction pool. Fans can expect fierce competition as teams look to bolster their squads with both established and emerging talent. With the stakes higher than ever, IPL 2025 is shaping up to be a thrilling season, promising unforgettable matches and standout performances.
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