The Indian Premier League (IPL) is gearing up for its much-awaited IPL Mega Auction 2025 Date and Time. Scheduled to be held over two days, on November 24 and November 25, in Jeddah, this event will serve as a pivotal moment for all ten teams as they finalize their squads. The auction will commence at 12:30 PM local time (3:30 PM IST) and promises high-stakes action as teams aim to build competitive lineups for the upcoming season. A total of 577 players are in contention, with franchises actively working to fill 204 available slots.
This mega auction introduces strategic dynamics with the Right to Match (RTM) option, allowing teams to retain key players by matching the highest bid for those previously part of their squad. The RTM feature empowers franchises to maintain their core group of players while bidding for fresh talent, ensuring a balance between continuity and reinvention.
Retention Strategy: Core Players Secured
Ahead of the auction, all ten franchises announced their retained players, with a total of 46 players secured collectively. This move provides teams a foundation upon which to build their rosters.
Here’s a breakdown of retained players by team:
Chennai Super Kings (CSK)
The CSK franchise retained five players, staying true to its legacy of banking on experience and loyalty. Retentions include:
- Ruturaj Gaikwad: A top-order batter known for consistency.
- Matheesha Pathirana: An emerging fast-bowling sensation.
- Shivam Dube: A versatile all-rounder.
- Ravindra Jadeja: A seasoned all-rounder and critical match-winner.
- MS Dhoni: The iconic skipper and the heart of CSK.
Delhi Capitals (DC)
DC retained four players, focusing on their promising young talent and dependable performers:
- Axar Patel: A reliable all-rounder.
- Kuldeep Yadav: A wrist-spinner known for breaking partnerships.
- Tristan Stubbs: A rising star in T20 cricket.
- Abhishek Porel: A young wicketkeeper-batter with potential.
Gujarat Titans (GT)
GT, the 2022 champions, retained five crucial players:
- Rashid Khan: A world-class spinner and proven match-winner.
- Shubman Gill: A prolific top-order batter.
- Sai Sudharsan: A dependable middle-order option.
- Rahul Tewatia: An all-rounder known for finishing games.
- Shahrukh Khan: A hard-hitting middle-order batter.
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)
KKR retained six players, the joint-highest among all teams, prioritizing a mix of experience and youth:
- Rinku Singh: Known for his heroic finishes.
- Varun Chakaravarthy: A mystery spinner who thrives in T20 formats.
- Sunil Narine: A veteran all-rounder with game-changing capabilities.
- Andre Russell: A power-packed all-rounder.
- Harshit Rana and Ramandeep Singh: Emerging talents with potential.
Lucknow Super Giants (LSG)
LSG retained five players, emphasizing their mix of power-hitters and dependable bowlers:
- Nicholas Pooran: A dynamic batter and wicketkeeper.
- Ravi Bishnoi: A young leg-spinner with an impressive track record.
- Mayank Yadav, Mohsin Khan, and Ayush Badoni: Promising young players.
Mumbai Indians (MI)
MI, one of the most successful IPL franchises, retained five key players:
- Jasprit Bumrah: A world-class bowler known for his death-over skills.
- Suryakumar Yadav: The explosive batter often referred to as “SKY.”
- Hardik Pandya: An all-rounder and former captain.
- Rohit Sharma: The captain and batting stalwart.
- Tilak Varma: A young talent with a bright future.
Punjab Kings (PBKS)
PBKS retained the fewest players—just two—suggesting significant squad overhauls:
- Shashank Singh: A promising middle-order batter.
- Prabhsimran Singh: A rising wicketkeeper-batter.
Rajasthan Royals (RR)
RR retained six players, demonstrating faith in their core:
- Sanju Samson: The team’s captain and a consistent performer.
- Yashasvi Jaiswal: A sensational opener and future prospect.
- Riyan Parag, Dhruv Jurel, Shimron Hetmyer, and Sandeep Sharma: Key contributors to the team’s success.
Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB)
RCB retained three players, focusing on their iconic and dependable stars:
- Virat Kohli: The face of RCB and a batting legend.
- Rajat Patidar: A promising top-order batter.
- Yash Dayal: A skilled left-arm pacer.
Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH)
SRH retained five players, targeting a mix of experience and fresh talent:
- Pat Cummins: A seasoned Australian pacer.
- Abhishek Sharma: A versatile all-rounder.
- Nitish Kumar Reddy, Heinrich Klaasen, and Travis Head: Key performers across roles.
Vacancies and Strategies
With 46 players retained, franchises will now focus on filling a total of 204 slots during the mega auction. Here’s the breakdown of available vacancies:
- Punjab Kings (PBKS): 23 vacancies
- Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB): 22 vacancies
- Delhi Capitals (DC): 21 vacancies
- Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Mumbai Indians (MI), Gujarat Titans (GT), Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH): 20 vacancies each
- Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Rajasthan Royals (RR): 19 vacancies each
This distribution reflects a mix of rebuilding strategies for teams like PBKS and RCB and fine-tuning for franchises like KKR and RR, which retained a larger core of players.
The Right to Match (RTM) Option: A Game-Changer
The RTM option is expected to play a significant role in the auction dynamics. This feature allows franchises to reclaim players from their previous squad by matching the highest bid during the auction. It provides teams with a strategic edge to maintain continuity and retain match-winners without losing them to competing franchises.
The use of RTM ensures that teams can secure proven performers while simultaneously exploring new talent to enhance their rosters. This flexibility is particularly critical for teams aiming to maintain a competitive balance.
Auction Expectations and Viewing Details
The IPL 2025 mega auction will be a two-day event, creating ample opportunity for franchises to deliberate and strategize their picks. With players from around the globe eagerly awaiting their chance to secure IPL contracts, the auction promises intense competition among teams.
Fans can catch all the action live on Star Sports channels in India. For digital viewers, JioCinema will provide live streaming on its app and website, ensuring a seamless viewing experience.
Conclusion: The Road Ahead for IPL 2025
The IPL 2025 mega auction is poised to be a pivotal moment in shaping the season’s dynamics. With 577 players in contention and 204 slots to be filled, franchises will have to strike a fine balance between retaining proven talent and scouting fresh faces.
The RTM option introduces a layer of strategic depth, enabling teams to secure key players while exploring new combinations. The auction will also highlight how franchises adapt their strategies to evolving player performance trends and audience expectations.
As cricket enthusiasts eagerly await the action, the IPL 2025 season promises excitement, competition, and unparalleled entertainment. The mega auction, with its high stakes and unpredictable outcomes, is just the beginning of another thrilling chapter in the league’s history.
