The Indian Premier League (IPL) has always been a platform where talent meets big money, and every season, franchises eagerly retain their top players, often spending hefty amounts. The 2025 IPL season has been no different, with franchises once again shelling out massive sums to secure their best assets. Here’s a look at the 10 Most Expensive Players Retained in IPL 2025, a list that showcases some of the finest cricketing talents and the financial commitment franchises have made to keep them.
1. Virat Kohli – ₹20 Crore (Royal Challengers Bangalore)
Most Expensive Players Retained in IPL 2025, Virat Kohli continues to be one of the biggest names in cricket and, unsurprisingly, the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) have retained him for a whopping ₹20 crore. Known for his consistency, fitness, and match-winning ability, Kohli remains a fan favorite. His form in the previous seasons made him indispensable for RCB, and the franchise didn’t hesitate to keep him on their roster as their highest-paid player.
2. Rohit Sharma – ₹18 Crore (Mumbai Indians)
Another player of Most Expensive Players Retained in IPL 2025, Mumbai Indians’ captain Rohit Sharma is retained at ₹18 crore. As a five-time IPL-winning captain, his leadership skills and opening batting prowess have kept him at the top of Mumbai Indians’ priorities. Despite mixed performances in recent seasons, Rohit’s tactical mindset and ability to change the game make him invaluable to his team.
3. Rashid Khan – ₹17 Crore (Gujarat Titans)
Afghanistan’s star bowler Rashid Khan has been retained by Gujarat Titans for ₹17 crore, highlighting the importance of a quality spin bowler in the IPL. Rashid’s ability to bowl tight spells and pick crucial wickets in the middle overs is critical to his team’s strategy. His knack for breaking partnerships has made him one of the most sought-after players in the league.
4. KL Rahul – ₹17 Crore (Lucknow Super Giants)
Retained for ₹17 crore, KL Rahul is the cornerstone of the Lucknow Super Giants squad. His consistency as a top-order batsman and his experience in the IPL make him an irreplaceable asset. Rahul’s dual ability to anchor the innings and accelerate when needed has cemented his place as one of the most expensive players in IPL 2025.
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5. Jasprit Bumrah – ₹16 Crore (Mumbai Indians)
Another Mumbai Indians star who is Most Expensive Players Retained in IPL 2025, Jasprit Bumrah has been retained for ₹16 crore. Widely regarded as one of the best fast bowlers in the world, Bumrah’s death-overs skill set is unmatched. His ability to keep runs in check and take wickets at crucial moments makes him one of the highest-paid bowlers in IPL history.
6. Hardik Pandya – ₹15 Crore (Gujarat Titans)
Hardik Pandya, the captain of Gujarat Titans, has been retained for ₹15 crore. His all-round abilities and leadership skills have proven invaluable, making him a major force in the IPL. Pandya’s ability to turn the game with both bat and ball justifies his high retention price.
7. Shubman Gill – ₹15 Crore (Gujarat Titans)
Another significant retention by Gujarat Titans is Shubman Gill for ₹15 crore. His recent form has been phenomenal, and he is seen as the future of Indian cricket. Gill’s elegance and maturity at the crease have made him a top choice for Gujarat Titans, and his hefty paycheck reflects his importance to the team.
8. Suryakumar Yadav – ₹14 Crore (Mumbai Indians)
Known as Mr. 360°, Suryakumar Yadav has been retained by Mumbai Indians for ₹14 crore. His innovative shot-making ability and consistency make him a valuable asset in the middle order. Suryakumar’s knack for finding gaps and maintaining a high strike rate makes him one of the most entertaining and highest-paid players.
9. Sanju Samson – ₹14 Crore (Rajasthan Royals)
Sanju Samson, retained by Rajasthan Royals for ₹14 crore, is a dependable middle-order batsman and a skilled wicketkeeper. His calm presence at the crease and experience as a captain add to his value, making him a top choice for the Royals as they aim for IPL glory in 2025.
10. Ruturaj Gaikwad – ₹13 Crore (Chennai Super Kings)
Rounding out the list is Ruturaj Gaikwad, retained by Chennai Super Kings (CSK) for ₹13 crore. As an opening batsman, Gaikwad has shown remarkable potential and has often played match-winning innings for CSK. His retention underscores CSK’s trust in his abilities as a young, promising talent.
Why Franchises Invest So Much in Retaining Players
The IPL is known for its high-stakes environment, and retaining top players helps franchises build stable and competitive squads. Players like Kohli, Rohit, and Bumrah bring a combination of skill, experience, and fan following, which makes them extremely valuable assets both on and off the field. Additionally, retaining a core group of players can create a winning culture within the team, as players become more familiar with each other’s strengths and weaknesses.
The Impact of High Retentions on Team Performance
High-profile retentions often reflect the backbone of a franchise’s strategy. For example:
- Mumbai Indians continue to rely on the experience of Rohit Sharma and Jasprit Bumrah, while grooming the dynamic Suryakumar Yadav.
- Gujarat Titans bank on the versatility of Hardik Pandya and the spin wizardry of Rashid Khan, along with emerging star Shubman Gill.
- RCB’s retention of Virat Kohli emphasizes their commitment to build a solid foundation around one of the best players in IPL history.
These expensive retentions are not just financial decisions; they represent the franchises’ commitment to building a winning team culture and nurturing talent. By investing in these players, franchises show faith in their ability to bring home the trophy.
Conclusion
The list of the 10 Most Expensive Players Retained in IPL 2025 is a testament to the fierce competition and high financial stakes in the league. With each franchise banking on their star players, the 2025 IPL season promises to deliver thrilling action and intense battles on the field. As fans, we can expect to see these high-value players showcasing their talent and justifying their price tags with unforgettable performances.
For the franchises, retaining these players is about more than just winning games; it’s about creating legacies, building fan loyalty, and cementing their place in IPL history. The upcoming season will undoubtedly showcase why these players are worth every penny.
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