New Delhi: Indian Premier League teams always keep an eye on fresh talents who are poised to break breakthrough into international cricket. With the deadline to announce retentions ahead of the 2025 edition’s mega auction being October 31, a lot of interest has been generated as to who all will be retained as uncapped players.
A look at talents who are yet to put their foot on international cricket but franchises regard highly and are keen to hold on to as their low-cost signings.
Chennai Super Kings – MS Dhoni
IPL rules suggest any player who hasn’t played international cricket for the last five years is eligible to be an uncapped retention. Five-time champs under Dhoni, CSK are ready to fork out Rs 4 crore to the former skipper who retired from India duty in 2019.
CSK can also retain Sameer Rizvi as their uncapped player.
Delhi Capitals – Abhishek Porel
Delhi Capitals have some exciting talents like Rasikh Dar or local lad Yash Dhull but keeper-batter Porel looks likely to be their uncapped retention. A promising batter and sound keeper, Porel scored 327 runs at a strike rate of 159.51 in 14 matches last season.
Gujarat Titans – Shahrukh Khan
As a lower middle order batter, the 29-year-old has displayed glimpses of his hitting talent, but consistency has evaded him though Gujarat can back him as one of their low-cost retentions though Manav Suthar is another option.
Kolkata Knight Riders – Harshit Rana
Already called up to be part of India’s Test squad for the Australia tour, pacer Harshit Rana is an obvious choice for the reigning champions, having claimed 19 wickets at an average of 20.16 and a strike rate of 13.32 last season.
Lucknow Supergiants – Ayush Badoni
As tearaway pacer Mayank Yadav recently got capped, Lucknow Supergiants could decide to retain Ayush Badoni though they also have Yash Thakur and Arshin Kulkarni.
Mumbai Indians – Nehal Wadhera
The 24-year-old debuted in 2023 and scored 241 runs, striking at a rate of 145.18 in his first season though opportunities last year were limited.
Punjab Kings – Shashank Singh
In his first break in IPL last season. Singh cracked 354 runs at a strike rate of 164.65 and an average of 44.25 in 14 matches and is a strong candidate for retention though Punjab could also opt for Ashutosh Sharma or Prabhsimran Singh.
Rajasthan Royals – Kuldeep Sen
As Riyan Parag, Dhruv Jurel and Yashasvi Jaiswal have earned India caps in recent times, speedster Kuldeep Sen is a real candidate for retention even as Tanush Kotian emerges as a possible candidate.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru – Yash Dayal
As easy pick for uncapped retention after taking 15 wickets last season after being included in the India squad for the Australia Tests.
Sunrisers Hyderabad – Abdul Samad
Samad emerged as the frontrunner after all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy earned his India cap, though Anmolpreet Singh and Sanvir Singh are suitable options.
