IPL 2025: 5 Worst Retentions by Franchises

As teams made some unexpected decisions prior to the massive auction, the IPL 2025 retention list generated widespread discussion. Some franchises managed to secure their core, while others left fans perplexed by dubious choices.

Some retentions, ranging from injury-prone stars to underperforming veterans, aroused serious concerns. These are the top five retention decisions that could cost franchises heavily in the coming season.

Here are the 5 Worst Retentions by Franchises in IPL 2025:

1. Shimron Hetmyer (RR)

Rajasthan Royals shocked everyone by retaining Shimron Hetmyer ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction. An even bigger surprise was RR paying INR 11 crores to retain his services. It all imploded for the Royals as they finished 9th on the IPL 2025 points table.

Hetmyer amassed 239 runs in 14 IPL 2025 games at a strike rate of 145.73, an average of 21.72, and a highest score of 52. He failed to finish and win matches for RR, including one lost in a Super Over from a winning position. His retention sparked debate among fans and pundits, questioning the decision to spend so heavily on an inconsistent performer.

2. Dhruv Jurel (RR)

Rajasthan Royals’ retention strategy ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction left fans and experts questioning the team management’s rationale. While retaining Sanju Samson and Yashasvi Jaiswal for INR 18 crores each was justified, offering INR 14 crores to Dhruv Jurel raised many eyebrows.

Jurel had a decent IPL 2025 with 333 runs in 14 games, including a highest score of 70 at a strike rate of 156.33. However, in the crucial finisher’s role, like Hetmyer, he also failed to close out matches for RR. Whether the franchise continues with Jurel next season or releases him back into the auction pool remains to be seen.

3. Mayank Yadav (LSG)

Mayank Yadav is one of India’s most promising pacers, having stunned everyone in IPL 2024 with speeds consistently over 150 kph. Despite his injury history—missing IPL 2023 and playing only four games in 2024—LSG retained him for INR 11 crores, betting on his raw potential.

However, fitness issues continued to plague him. He missed the first half of IPL 2025 due to a back injury and managed to play only two games before getting injured again. Reportedly, LSG is growing frustrated with his recurring fitness problems and may consider releasing him before the next auction.

4. Ravi Bishnoi (LSG)

Lucknow Super Giants retained Ravi Bishnoi for INR 11 crores before the IPL 2025 mega auction. Over four seasons, he had taken 45 wickets and was considered one of LSG’s key performers.

However, IPL 2025 turned out to be forgettable for the leg-spinner. He picked up just 9 wickets in 11 games at an economy of 10.83 and an average of 24.60. Given he had only 10 wickets in 14 games the previous season, his diminishing returns might prompt LSG to rethink his place in the squad for IPL 2026.

5. Venkatesh Iyer (KKR)

Kolkata Knight Riders used their RTM (Right to Match) card to bring back Venkatesh Iyer, battling two other franchises to retain him for a staggering INR 23.75 crores. He was also appointed as KKR's vice-captain for IPL 2025.

However, the pressure of the price tag and leadership role seemed to weigh heavily on Iyer. He struggled with the bat, scoring just 142 runs in 11 matches. With an average of 20.28 and a strike rate of 139.21, he was eventually dropped late in the season. The MP all-rounder’s retention proved costly both on the field and on the balance sheet.

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