IPL retention: Sunil Narine to MS Dhoni — many to be retained for many reasons

MS Dhoni, Jasprit Bumrah, Sunil Narine and many more could be retained by their franchises ahead of IPL Mega auctions (Image(s) PTI)

To draw a list of players likely to be retained by the 10 Indian Premier League franchises is a relatively easy task than talking about who will be not. It’s an open and shuts case for many names, Indians and foreigners. Here we go.

Sunil Narine: Kolkata Knight Riders can’t do without this maverick Trinidadian. He had a cracker of a season in 2024 — 488 runs with a strike rate 180-plus and 17 wickets at an economy rate of 6.69 — this was arguably the best all-round season for a player in the history of the competition. Keeping him will probably cost the franchise Rs 18 crore, but they shouldn’t mind, considering Narine’s role in their title-winning run last season.

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Heinrich Klaasen: Plenty of runs at a strike rate of 171.07 and made under extreme duress, this South African is possibly the first name on the retention list of Sunrisers Hyderabad, who lost to KKR in the final in the 2024 season. One of the most destructive hitters in the white-ball formats globally, his is an open and shut case. He can change games single-handedly, in no time. Not much scope for debate about his retention.

Jasprit Bumrah: Do we need to even mention his name! Possibly the best T20 fast bowler ever, Mumbai Indians wouldn’t even think twice to make him the first name on the list of players to be retained. It may cost them Rs 18 crore, but the value he brings to the table is worth it, in the IPL scheme of things. Capable of producing magic when the going gets tough, he will be this franchise’s biggest hope in what they would like to see as a redemption season.

Nicholas Pooran: If Lucknow Super Giants retain one player, it will be this marauder from the West Indies. A standout T20 performer in franchise leagues across the world, the left-handed batter has defined the course of many matches. When he hits, the ball stays hit, no matter the direction he targets. Plus, he adds value to the team with his wicketkeeping abilities. For a franchise hoping to win the title, he is a must-have option.

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Rashid Khan: Another obvious choice. Gujarat Titans have benefited from his presence in the past and there is no reason to think that there will be thought correction when it comes to this leg-spin genius from Afghanistan. Capable of hitting the ball afar when required, he invariably maintains crazy economy rates other than taking wickets. One of the biggest bowling assets who can be compared with Bumrah, Rashid is another automatic retention choice.

MS Dhoni: Another obvious choice, he will probably be retained by Chennai Super Kings as an ‘uncapped’ player following the rule which deems one such if he has not played for the national team for five years. The talisman of the perhaps the most popular IPL franchises, Dhoni is more than just a player for them. He embodies the values this side wants to stand for and he has been with them since the first season, barring the two years when they were suspended.

Virat Kohli: Like Dhoni, he has stuck with a franchise right since 2008. His value doesn’t diminish, irrespective of what happens around him. Royal Challengers Bangalore have him as a fulcrum figure in their quest for a maiden IPK title. After having helped India win the T20 World Cup, Kohli will bring in some winning experience as well. One of the players the fans pay to watch, he will once again be among the central figures in this year of the competition as well.