5 Teams Who Can Retain Two Uncapped Players Ahead Of The IPL 2025 Mega Auction

The IPL 2025 auction promises to be one of the most exciting events in the cricketing calendar, with new retention rules adding a fresh dimension to the strategies of all franchises. Teams are now allowed to retain up to six players, including two uncapped talents valued at ₹4 crore each. This change opens the door for franchises to secure promising young stars, while balancing their budget and preserving space for international players. Several teams are eyeing this opportunity to invest in emerging talent that could shape their future.

Let’s take a closer look at five teams likely to retain two uncapped players and how these decisions reflect each franchise’s long-term strategies.

Chennai Super Kings: Rising Stars in the Making

Chennai Super Kings (CSK), led by the charismatic MS Dhoni, has always been a team that blends experience with emerging talent. For IPL 2025, CSK is expected to retain two key uncapped players: Sameer Rizvi and, surprisingly, MS Dhoni himself.

While Dhoni may no longer be considered an international player—having last played for India in the 2019 World Cup—he falls under the new rules that classify players who haven’t played international cricket in five years as uncapped. This allows CSK to retain him as an uncapped player, giving them a significant financial advantage, as they can keep Dhoni’s leadership and experience without denting their salary cap.

Joining Dhoni is Sameer Rizvi, a rising star who made a name for himself in IPL 2024. Rizvi’s aggressive batting style and composure under pressure have impressed many, and CSK sees him as a key component of their future plans. By retaining Rizvi, CSK continues its tradition of nurturing young talent while ensuring that they have a capable middle-order batter for years to come.

This retention strategy shows CSK’s commitment to blending experienced leadership with promising new talent, maintaining their position as one of the most competitive teams in the league.

Kolkata Knight Riders: A New Era of Talent

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have long been a team that invests in young talent, and this trend is set to continue in IPL 2025. The franchise is expected to retain two uncapped players: Harshit Rana and Angkrish Raghuvanshi, both of whom have shown immense potential in recent seasons.

Harshit Rana, a talented bowler, enjoyed a breakthrough season in 2024, claiming 18 wickets with an impressive average of 30.33. His ability to deliver key wickets in crucial moments made him a standout performer for KKR, and his retention is a logical move for the franchise. With the demand for quality pacers higher than ever, retaining Rana ensures KKR maintains a solid bowling attack for the future.

Angkrish Raghuvanshi is another player who has caught the attention of KKR management. His versatility as a batter, coupled with his ability to adapt to various match situations, provides KKR with much-needed depth in their batting lineup. Retaining Raghuvanshi signals KKR’s long-term investment in a player who can potentially grow into a mainstay of their side.

By securing Rana and Raghuvanshi, KKR is betting on youth, building a foundation for sustained success while keeping an eye on future glory.

Lucknow Super Giants: Future Leaders of the Attack

The Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), one of the newest franchises in the IPL, have quickly established themselves as a team with a keen eye for emerging talent. For the 2025 season, LSG is likely to retain two uncapped players who could become cornerstones of their squad: Ayush Badoni and Mohsin Khan.

Ayush Badoni has impressed with his ability to accelerate the scoring rate in the middle and death overs. His explosive batting style makes him a perfect fit for the fast-paced nature of T20 cricket, and retaining him allows LSG to continue developing a player who can turn games around in a matter of overs.

Mohsin Khan, a talented left-arm pacer, has also earned his place in LSG’s plans for the future. Khan’s consistent performances, particularly his ability to swing the ball and keep runs in check, have made him a key figure in LSG’s bowling attack. His left-arm variation adds a unique dimension to the team’s bowling options, and his retention reflects LSG’s focus on building a well-rounded bowling unit.

Together, Badoni and Khan represent the future of LSG, and retaining them underscores the franchise’s commitment to developing a young core that can lead them to success in the coming seasons.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Building the Next Generation

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have often been seen as a team with a blend of star power and emerging talent, and this trend is set to continue in IPL 2025. The franchise is expected to retain two uncapped players: Anuj Rawat and Yash Dayal.

Anuj Rawat, a dynamic wicketkeeper-batter, has already shown flashes of brilliance with the bat, and his retention makes sense for RCB as they look to groom him into a future star. His ability to play attacking cricket while also maintaining composure in pressure situations makes him an exciting prospect for the franchise. With the increasing importance of multi-dimensional players in T20 cricket, Rawat’s retention ensures RCB has a player who can contribute both behind the stumps and with the bat.

Yash Dayal, a promising left-arm seamer, has been another standout for RCB. His performances in the 2024 season, where he picked up 15 wickets in 14 games, caught the attention of many. Dayal’s left-arm angle brings much-needed variety to RCB’s bowling attack, and his ability to deliver key breakthroughs makes him a vital asset for the team.

By retaining Rawat and Dayal, RCB is investing in young players who could become the backbone of their squad in the years to come.

Mumbai Indians: Crafting Future Champions

Mumbai Indians (MI) have a long history of nurturing young talent and turning them into IPL superstars. For IPL 2025, MI is expected to retain two uncapped players: Nehal Wadhera and Akash Madhwal, both of whom have shown tremendous potential.

Nehal Wadhera, a promising young batter, has already impressed MI’s management with his performances. Known for his ability to play both spin and pace with ease, Wadhera has the potential to become a mainstay in MI’s batting lineup. His retention reflects MI’s long-term strategy of building a team around young, homegrown talent.

Akash Madhwal, a fast bowler, has also been a revelation for MI. His ability to bowl with pace and control, particularly in the death overs, has made him a key figure in MI’s bowling plans. Madhwal’s performances under pressure have earned him praise, and his retention ensures that MI continues to build a potent bowling attack.

By retaining Wadhera and Madhwal, MI is staying true to their philosophy of developing young players into future superstars while maintaining a competitive squad.

The Strategic Importance of Uncapped Retentions

The IPL 2025 auction will see teams navigating a delicate balance between retaining proven stars and securing young talent for the future. The new rule allowing franchises to retain two uncapped players valued at ₹4 crore each opens the door for teams to make strategic decisions that could shape their future for years to come.

For franchises like CSK, retaining an experienced leader like MS Dhoni as an uncapped player allows them to preserve their salary cap while benefiting from his presence on the field and in the dressing room. On the other hand, teams like KKR, LSG, and RCB are focusing on nurturing young talent like Harshit Rana, Ayush Badoni, and Anuj Rawat, ensuring they have a solid core of players to build around in the coming seasons.

The retention of uncapped players is not just about saving money; it’s about securing the future of the franchise. By investing in young, talented cricketers who have already shown promise, teams are ensuring that they remain competitive in an increasingly demanding league. With IPL 2025 set to be another blockbuster season, these retention decisions could make all the difference in who lifts the trophy.

The Road Ahead for IPL 2025

As the IPL 2025 auction approaches, all eyes will be on how teams manage their retentions and build their squads for the new season. With the ability to retain two uncapped players under the new rules, franchises have a unique opportunity to secure young talent without breaking the bank. For teams like CSK, KKR, LSG, RCB, and MI, these decisions reflect their long-term strategies of balancing experience with youth.

The blend of uncapped talent and established stars will be key to success in IPL 2025. As teams look to the future, retaining young players who have already shown potential ensures that they remain competitive in the ever-evolving world of T20 cricket. With so much talent on display, the stage is set for another thrilling IPL season filled with drama, excitement, and unforgettable moments.

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