IPL 2025 Auction: Surprise Exclusions From the Rajatshan and Lucknow

The retention and releases for the IPL 2025 Auction saw teams strategically execute their plans and look at future goals. Every team has tried to maximize retention and has built a strong and young team. However, every team will look to have some of their old acquaintances back in their squad.

Rajasthan Royals retained Sanju Samson, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Dhruv Jurel, Shimron Hetmyer, Sandeep Sharma, and Riyan Parag. They are now left with a purse of INR 41 Crores. They have retained their Indian core and must be happy securing a major part of their playing 11.

Meanwhile, Lucknow Super Giants, on the other hand, secured the services of Nicholas Pooran, Ayush Badoni, Mayank Yadav, Mohsin Khan, and Ravi Bishnoi as the retained players. They are left with a purse of INR 69 Crores and 1 RTM card that they will have to use wisely on a capped player in the auction.

Let’s look at the players who would be the most likely picks again by their recent franchises in the IPL 2025 Auction:

Rajasthan Royals

Winner of the inaugural IPL and the finalist of IPL 2022, RR is one of the most loved teams in the league. After a good start to the IPL, the franchise lost its momentum. But the last 3-4 years saw a turnaround and made them a contender for the trophy again. Belief in the players and backing them proved fruitful for them and saw massive growth in the status of the team. The management will want to continue this momentum.

RR is likely to have these players back in their squad:

Yuzvendra Chahal

A shrewd leg spinner and one of the finest in world cricket. Yuzvendra Chahal has been a vital part of RR’s growth. Released by RCB in 2022, RR saw an opportunity in Chahal and bought him at INR 6.50 Crore. Since then, Chahal has contributed massively to the team’s growth. In 46 matches for RR, Chahal has 66 wickets to his name. Definitely an IPL legend, Chahal’s ability to bowl tight overs and pick wickets makes him a quality bowler. RR would love to have Chahal back on their team.

Trent Boult

NZ’s finest and an all-time great, Trent Boult has been a part of Rajasthan’s growth since 2022. A key player for RR and a new ball specialist. Boult delivered when it mattered the most. With the new ball, he provided the much-needed breakthrough in the powerplay. His ability to swing the ball and create pressure on the batters made him a threatening bowler. Boult was the leader of the fast-bowling unit of RR and helped youngsters to grow and excel. His stat for RR has been sensational. In 42 matches, Boult picked up 45 wickets and contributed to the team’s success. Along with Ashwin and Chahal, Boult formed a dangerous trio for the opposition.

Jos Buttler

An IPL and English great, Jos Buttler’s run for Rajasthan was phenomenal. One of the core members of their turnaround phase, Buttler, found huge success in RR. In 80-odd matches, Buttler scored around 3000 runs and saw the highs and lows of the team. He gave numerous magical moments to the franchise and fans. His ability to play big innings and change the gear when required makes him a threatening batsman. RR would want to have Buttler back in their setup and have another great season in the next few years.

Lucknow Supergiants

LSG was one of the favorites even since its coming to the league. After 2 qualifying seasons to the knockouts, LSG failed to qualify for the finals in both attempts. But the team has found a great set of players including informed international players like Caribbean power hitter Pooran, and Ravi Bishnoi, along with other young talents such as Mayank Yadav, Badoni, and Mohsin. Unfortunately, they had to let KL Rahul due to certain team goals and planning.

However, the franchise would certainly want these players back in their squad:

Quinton de Kock

A destructive South African opener and a sweet timer of the ball, Kock had a great outing with LSG. In 30 matches, Kock scored 900 runs at an average of around 30 and with a higher strike rate. He proved to be vital for them in the first season itself scoring over 500 runs. As a wicketkeeper, Kock was phenomenal for the franchise and guided the bowlers nicely. His ability to bat with a good strike rate and quickly take the game away from the opposition makes him an ideal T20 player. The franchise would want to have him back.

Marcus Stoinis

Nicknamed ‘Hulk’, Stoinis performed exactly as his nickname. He smashed the opposition every time he got on the field. He laid the base of a strong middle order for LSG. In 40 matches, Stoinis scored around 900 runs at a strike rate of nearly 150. His ability to pace the innings and give a strong finish to the team was a major reason for LSG’s success.

His hard-hitting skills were vital for the franchise, and even with the ball, in limited opportunities, Stoinis created a massive impact by taking 13 wickets in 17 bowling innings at a strike rate of 15. Picked at INR 10 Crores, Stoinis justified every penny of his worth. The franchise would want this monster back into their squad and have great memories again. He is possibly the best candidate where LSG can invest their RTM card.

Krunal Pandya

The elder Pandya found a new team in 2022, and it turned his career positively. After two disastrous years in MI, the tables turned for Pandya when LSG picked him at INR 8.25 Crores. The clarity of roles improved his game and significantly impacted the team’s performance. In 3 years, Krunal picked 25 wickets at an economy of around 7.5 and scored over 500 runs. The numbers may appear to be poor, but each innings had a major role to play in the team’s success. Whether bowling in the crucial situation or finishing the innings, Krunal did all that was asked of him. The franchise is likely to have this workhorse back in their squad.

The upcoming auction will be an exciting one for both the teams and players for their future.