Top Players LSG, GT, PBKS, & SRH Should Retain Using RTM Option During IPL 2025 Mega Auction!

The Right to Match (RTM) card has made it easier for the franchise to retain their released core players at the highest bids during the Indian Premier League (IPL) auction.  But, it would only be possible if the teams haven’t retained the maximum of six players through outright retentions.

So, Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) are the two teams that need to perform well in the IPL 2025 mega auction without having any choice of RTM options left. The latest IPL 2025 retention rules specify that if a franchise plans to make use of its INR 120 crore purse to retain upto six players, these combinations should be followed based on retaining five capped and two uncapped players: 

• Five Capped and Uncapped (5+1)
• Four Capped and Two Uncapped (4+2)
• And so on. (if the maximum retention is less than five the combinations change).

Suppose the original team manages to acquire their released player at the highest bid, the competing teams will still get an extra chance to raise their bid. In such conditions, the original team should match the new highest bid to acquire the player back into the squad. This new twist in the RTM rule might make it challenging for teams such as Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), Gujarat Titans, and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) to have only 1 RTM option left. In contrast, Punjab Kings (PBKS) have the highest options to retain upto 4 players via RTM.

Let’s find out how these four teams can retain top-quality players using the RTM card during the mega auction by ensuring to follow the retention guidelines.

1. Lucknow Super Giants (LSG): 1 RTM

LSG with 1 RTM option can plan to acquire the best out of these four capped cricketers during the auction:

• Marcus Stoinis: Even after being the only centurion for his team in the previous season, LSG’s shocking move to release Marcus Stoinis has left the fans stunned. Possibly, the franchise might target the Australian all-rounder who can play explosive knocks in high-scoring run chases as well as prove to be a backup for the spin bowling lineup.
  
• Quinton de Kock: The South African cricketer is likely to be considered by the franchise who could fit into the dual of an aggressive opening batsman and a calm wicketkeeper.
  
• Krunal Pandya: The 33-year-old batting all-rounder has fewer chances of being retained through RTM despite his handy contributions with bat and ball. Suppose LSG doesn’t manage to acquire any of the preferred players through RTM, then Krunal could be expected as the last option.
  
• Naveen-ul-Haq: Afghanistan’s medium pacer as a proven death-over specialist can be acquired through RTM as he grabbed 14 wickets in 10 innings of the IPL 2024 season.

2. Gujarat Titans (GT): 1 RTM

The 2022 Champions Gujarat Titans after retaining 2 uncapped players are left with the option of retaining any one of these talented three capped players using only a single RTM card:

• David Miller: As it is a challenging task to find the best finishing batsman, GT would consider retaining South Africa’s middle-order destructive batter through an RTM card.
  
• Mohammed Shami: After being out of action for 360 days due to an ankle injury, the 34-year-old pace bowler makes a comeback with his 4-wicket haul against Madhya Pradesh in the ongoing Ranji Trophy elite 2024. Based on his performance in the ODI World Cup 2023, the franchise might prioritize retaining Shami through RTM.
  
• Noor Ahmad: The 19-year-old Afghan wrist spinner’s ability to produce huge variations in middle overs prompts GT to acquire Noor Ahmed back through RTM which could improve the quality of the spin bowling attack.

3. Punjab Kings (PBKS): 4 RTMs

Following the retention of two uncapped players, Punjab Kings should make use of 4 RTM cards by selecting any of these available capped internationals with a purse of INR 110.5 crores during the auction:

• Arshdeep Singh: Although Arshdeep Singh might be targetted by several franchises due to his impressive performances in the T20 World Cup 2024, Punjab Kings should acquire him back using the RTM option less than his retention price of INR 18 crores.
  
• Jitesh Sharma: Despite his aggressive batting style in the middle order, PBKS releasing him was a shocking move. Possibly, the franchise could retain him for a lower price through RTM.

• Liam Livingstone: England all-rounder Liam Livingstone can make match-winning contributions with both bat and ball and PBKS would consider acquiring him by using an RTM card in the 2025 mega auction.
  
• Kagiso Rabada: Known for his all-round abilities and his valuable contributions in the T20 World Cup 2024, Rabada can fuel the pace bowling line-up.

Players such as Jonny Bairstow and Sam Curran wouldn’t be preferred due to their lack of contribution in the previous season.

4. Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH): 1 RTM

After retaining five capped players, SRH can retain any of these three uncapped Indian cricketers:

• Abdul Samad: SRH can improve their middle-order batting lineup by including Abdul Samad, who scored 182 runs in 12 innings.
  
• Sanvir Singh: Despite Sanvir playing just 6 matches for SRH, he can prove to be the best finishing batter.
  
• Mayank Markande: The 27-year-old leg spinner made his last appearance in a T20 international match 5 years ago which is an added advantage for the franchise to acquire him as an uncapped player. With a bowling economy of more than 12 in the previous season, SRH can strengthen the spin bowling unit.