Rajasthan Royals’ Likely Retained Players Ahead of IPL 2025 Mega Auction: A Look at the Key Choices and New Rules

As the deadline for IPL 2025 retentions nears, Rajasthan Royals (RR) are reportedly retaining four standout players from their IPL 2024 roster. According to sources, Sanju Samson, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Riyan Parag, and Sandeep Sharma are set to continue with the franchise, leaving Rajasthan with two Right-to-Match (RTM) card options for the upcoming mega auction.

Key Players in Rajasthan Royals' Lineup

1. Sanju Samson

• Performance: Rajasthan Royals’ captain Sanju Samson led from the front in IPL 2024, scoring 531 runs across 16 matches at an impressive average of 48.27 and a strike rate of 153.47. His standout innings included three half-centuries, with a best score of 82*.

2. Yashasvi Jaiswal

• Performance: Jaiswal’s remarkable season included a 225-run total at an average of 32.14 and a striking rate of 157.34. His contributions were highlighted by a half-century and a century, proving his mettle as a powerful top-order batsman.

3. Riyan Parag

• Performance: With 573 runs at an average of 52.09, Parag was the third-highest run-scorer in the 2024 season. His consistency, marked by four half-centuries, played a significant role in RR’s journey.

4. Sandeep Sharma (Uncapped)

• Performance: Sandeep Sharma ended the 2024 season with 13 wickets across 11 matches, boasting an economy rate of 8.18. Although an experienced pacer, he qualifies as an uncapped player for retention purposes due to not having represented India in the past five years.

New Rules for IPL 2025 Retention and Auction Purse

The IPL governing body has introduced several changes for the 2025 season. Each franchise can retain up to six players, with a maximum of five capped players and two uncapped players, either through direct retention or by using RTM options. The auction purse has been set at Rs 120 crore for 2025, which will increase progressively over the next few seasons.

Additional Financial Adjustments

The salary cap will include not only the auction purse but also incremental performance pay and newly introduced match fees. Every playing member, including the Impact Player, will receive a match fee of Rs 7.5 lakh per match in addition to their contracted amount.

Retention Deductions

Minimum deductions from the auction purse for retained players are:

• First Player: Rs 18 crore
• Second Player: Rs 14 crore
• Third Player: Rs 11 crore
• Fourth Player: Rs 18 crore
• Fifth Player: Rs 14 crore
• Uncapped Player: Rs 4 crore

Rajasthan Royals' Strategy and Next Steps

By retaining these core players, RR looks to balance experienced leadership with emerging talent as they prepare for the 2025 season. As the mega auction approaches, the franchise may also look to leverage its RTM options to bring back other impactful players who contributed to their 2024 performance.