In this blog, we take a closer look at 3 big players whose RTM card was not used by their former franchises, delving into the reasons and what this means for their careers and teams.
The IPL 2025 Auction turned out to be a blockbuster event, packed with surprises, dramatic bids, and major team reshuffles. However, one of the biggest shocks came when some prominent players were not retained by their old teams using the Right to Match (RTM) card. The RTM card allows franchises to reacquire a player they previously released by matching the highest bid for that player during the auction.
1. Shubman Gill – Released by Gujarat Titans
3 Big Players Whose RTM Card Was Not Used, Shubman Gill without using the RTM card stunned cricket fans. After a stellar season in IPL 2023, where Gill emerged as one of the top run-scorers, many expected Gujarat Titans to retain him at all costs. However, as the auction unfolded, GT opted not to match the bids when the price skyrocketed.
Reasons Behind the Decision:
- Budget Constraints: Gujarat Titans might have been cautious about overspending on one player to maintain a balanced squad.
- Team Strategy: With a strong core of all-rounders and bowlers, GT could be looking to restructure their batting lineup with more economical options.
Impact:
Shubman Gill, now with the Mumbai Indians, brings immense value to their top order. His addition has made MI’s batting lineup even more formidable, but GT’s decision will be heavily scrutinized if they struggle in IPL 2025.
➥ Also Read: KKR Squad IPL 2025
2. Rashid Khan – Released by Sunrisers Hyderabad
Another player of 3 Big Players Whose RTM Card Was Not Used, Rashid Khan from Sunrisers Hyderabad’s (SRH) squad is another headline-grabber. The Afghan leg-spinner has been a match-winner for SRH over the years, consistently delivering with both the ball and in crunch situations with the bat. Despite his immense contributions, SRH decided not to use their RTM card when another franchise made a record-breaking bid for him.
Reasons Behind the Decision:
- Team Revamp: SRH has undergone significant changes in leadership and management, and they might be aiming for a fresh approach.
- High Bid Amount: The bidding war for Rashid Khan pushed his price to unprecedented heights, making it difficult for SRH to justify retaining him.
Impact:
Rashid Khan was snapped up by the Punjab Kings, instantly making them strong playoff contenders. For SRH, filling the void left by Rashid will be a monumental challenge.
3. KL Rahul – Released by Lucknow Super Giants
One of the biggest surprises of the IPL 2025 Auction was KL Rahul being released by the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), 3 Big Players Whose RTM Card Was Not Used. Known for his ability to anchor innings and accelerate when needed, Rahul has been a consistent performer in the IPL. However, LSG opted against using the RTM card, allowing him to move to a new team.
Reasons Behind the Decision:
- Leadership Challenges: There were rumors of leadership changes within the franchise, and parting ways with KL Rahul might align with their new direction.
- Team Composition: With emerging Indian players showing great promise, LSG may have decided to build their batting order around fresh talent.
Impact:
KL Rahul’s move to the Royal Challengers Bangalore has set the stage for a potential revival of his IPL career. Paired with Virat Kohli and Faf du Plessis, Rahul’s addition to RCB makes their batting lineup a force to reckon with.
What Does This Mean for the Franchises?
3 Big Players Whose RTM Card Was Not Used, the decision to not use RTM cards on these star players reflects the changing dynamics of IPL auctions. Teams are no longer relying solely on star power; instead, they are focusing on building balanced squads and investing in future talents.
However, these decisions come with risks. Franchises like SRH, GT, and LSG will face immense pressure to prove that letting go of players like Rashid Khan, Shubman Gill, and KL Rahul was a calculated move rather than a misstep.
Fan Reactions to the IPL 2025 Auction
Fans took to social media to express their shock and opinions about these unexpected moves.
- A Gujarat Titans fan tweeted:“No RTM for Shubman Gill? This has to be the biggest mistake GT has ever made!”
- A Sunrisers Hyderabad supporter wrote:“Rashid Khan not retained? SRH better have a solid plan, or this will haunt them for years.”
- An LSG fan posted:“KL Rahul’s exit feels like the end of an era. Let’s hope the new strategy pays off!”
The excitement and drama of the IPL 2025 Auction only add to the anticipation for the upcoming season.
Conclusion
The IPL 2025 Auction proved yet again that the tournament is as much about strategic decisions as it is about cricketing talent. The absence of RTM cards for players like Shubman Gill, Rashid Khan, and KL Rahul reflects a bold approach by their former franchises, but only time will tell if these decisions bear fruit.
As the new season approaches, fans eagerly await to see how these players perform with their new teams and how their old franchises cope with the changes. One thing is certain: IPL 2025 is set to be an unforgettable season filled with action, emotion, and surprises.
➥ Also Read: KKR Squad IPL 2025
