IPL 2025 retention: Virat Kohli surpassed as most expensive retained player, with SRH splurging on Klaasen. Get full IPL retention updates.
The excitement around IPL 2025 hit a new high when the list of retained players was revealed, with an unexpected twist: Virat Kohli, the long-time icon for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), was outbid by Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on retention expenses. In an unexpected and deliberate move, SRH retained South African powerhouse Heinrich Klaasen, earning him the most expensive retained player in IPL history. While Kohli’s outstanding performance earned him INR 21 crores, Klaasen’s retention at SRH exceeded this figure, astounded fans and analysts alike.
This year, the IPL governing council implemented new laws and a revised retention budget formula of INR 18, 14, 11, 18, and 14 crores, for a total of INR 75 crore. However, franchises had some freedom in organizing their rosters, which resulted in unique strategies and some surprising financial decisions. Kohli was retained by Royal Challengers Bangalore for INR 21 crores, which was expected given his iconic reputation. However, SRH broke the bank for Klaasen, who has demonstrated a consistent ability to turn games around with his hard-hitting abilities.
Virat Kohli’s retention at RCB was unsurprising, given he remains one of cricket’s most bankable stars, providing not only performance but also a brand presence that complements the franchise’s ethos. This year’s retentions also demonstrated a trend of prioritizing new, emerging talent alongside star players. Teams tended to keep young talents who showed tremendous promise in the previous IPL season, following a pattern of prioritizing long-term assets over short-term benefits.
The attention on Kohli’s retention value was welcomed with unabated enthusiasm for his on-field abilities, as supporters eagerly await his performance in the 2025 season. While his INR 21-crore retention was a high-value decision, SRH’s move to outspend RCB on a retained player.
With the huge IPL 2025 auction set for the latter week of November, franchises are prepared to further shape their squads with the monetary freedom they have preserved. Cricket fans can expect even more excitement as more international names and new talents compete for spots in the IPL, promising another fascinating season.
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