As the IPL 2024 season approaches, all 10 franchises have begun finalizing their retention lists, triggering excitement and speculation across the cricketing world. According to the rules, each franchise is allowed to retain up to six players—five directly through the retention policy and one additional player through the Right to Match (RTM) mechanism. After the IPL Governing Council meeting, early reports suggest a number of significant names being included or excluded, and potential shakeups loom large.
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR):
KKR, the defending champions, have prepared their initial retention list, which includes seven key players. Leading the list is captain Shreyas Iyer, who successfully guided the team to its third IPL title. KKR will also retain its long-time powerhouses, Sunil Narine and Andre Russell. Alongside these veterans, rising star Rinku Singh, Varun Chakravarthy, Harshit Rana, and Phil Salt are also set to stay.
Chennai Super Kings (CSK):
Four-time champions CSK have a star-studded retention list led by their iconic captain, MS Dhoni. He is joined by Ravindra Jadeja, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Shivam Dube, and Matheesha Pathirana. While Dhoni’s retirement continues to be a talking point, CSK’s interest in New Zealanders Rachin Ravindra and Devon Conway might bring fresh energy to the squad.
Mumbai Indians (MI):
There has been much talk about Rohit Sharma potentially leaving Mumbai Indians, especially after signs of friction with the franchise’s management. However, MI has kept his name on their initial retention list, though not as their primary choice. Leading the pack are all-rounder Hardik Pandya, Suryakumar Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Tilak Varma, and Ishan Kishan, who will likely continue to form MI’s core team in the upcoming season.
Lucknow Super Giants (LSG):
Lucknow Super Giants are still considering whether to retain their captain, KL Rahul, after a reportedly strained relationship between Rahul and franchise owner Sanjiv Goenka. Nevertheless, Rahul remains on their list for now, along with top performers like Nicholas Pooran, Marcus Stoinis, Ravi Bishnoi, Quinton de Kock, Ayush Badoni, and Krunal Pandya.
Gujarat Titans (GT):
The reigning champions from IPL 2022, Gujarat Titans, have announced a strong list of retained players, led by batting sensation Shubman Gill. The franchise will also keep stars like Mohammad Shami, Rashid Khan, David Miller, Sai Sudharsan, Josh Little, and Azmatullah Omarzai, ensuring they have a competitive edge in the next season.
Rajasthan Royals (RR):
Rajasthan Royals’ initial retention list includes seven players, including captain Sanju Samson, Jos Buttler, and Yashasvi Jaiswal. The team also plans to retain Riyan Parag, Trent Boult, Ravichandran Ashwin, and Yuzvendra Chahal.
Other Franchises:
- Delhi Capitals are expected to retain Rishabh Pant, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, and a few more core players.
- Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), who have never won an IPL title, are sticking with their talisman Virat Kohli, alongside Faf du Plessis, Mohammed Siraj, and Cameron Green.
- Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) are likely to retain Pat Cummins, Travis Head, Abhishek Sharma, Heinrich Klaasen, Aiden Markram, and Nitish Kumar Reddy.
- Punjab Kings plan to keep Arshdeep Singh, Kagiso Rabada, Sam Curran, Liam Livingstone, Shashank Singh, and Harshal Patel.
As IPL 2024 draws near, changes to these preliminary retention lists are expected, and the excitement over the auction is building. Will star players like Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul enter the auction? Fans will be eagerly waiting for the final announcements.