Punjab Kings IPL 2025 Auction Strategy- Potential Retentions and RTM Options

As the IPL 2025 auction approaches, teams like Punjab Kings (PBKS) must carefully strategize their retentions and Right To Match (RTM) card selections to build a squad capable of competing for the coveted IPL title. With a total purse of ₹120 crores, PBKS will have to balance their player retention choices with their auction spending. The combination of retentions, RTM cards, and purse management will shape the future of their IPL campaign. Here, we’ll explore PBKS’s potential retentions and RTM options, analyzing their previous squad and highlighting key players they may prioritize.

Retention and RTM Overview for IPL 2025

According to the IPL 2025 auction rules, each franchise can either retain players before the auction or use RTM cards during the auction. The magic number for retention and RTM is six players. Of these, a maximum of five players (Indian or overseas) can be capped, while two players can be uncapped.

PBKS will have to make crucial decisions, not only regarding player quality but also how much they can afford to deduct from their purse for each retention. Every team must manage their finances wisely, as the purse deductions for retained players could limit their spending at the auction table. Let’s look at Punjab Kings’ potential retentions and RTM options.

Key Retention Considerations for PBKS

Looking at PBKS’s squad from the previous year, several standout performers could be strong candidates for retention. These players offer value through experience, leadership, versatility, and performance.

1. Shikhar Dhawan (Batter)

Shikhar Dhawan, one of the most seasoned players in the squad, has been PBKS’s captain and an essential part of their batting lineup. His leadership experience and consistent performance make him an obvious choice for retention. However, Dhawan’s retention will come with a heavy purse deduction of ₹18 crores. With Dhawan nearing the end of his career, PBKS will need to decide if they want to invest such a significant amount or look for younger alternatives.

2. Arshdeep Singh (Bowler)

Arshdeep Singh has emerged as a key player for PBKS, especially in the death overs. His ability to deliver in crucial situations and his consistent performance with the ball make him one of the team’s top bowling assets. Arshdeep would likely be retained as a capped Indian player at a cost of ₹11 crores. Retaining Arshdeep ensures that PBKS secures a reliable bowler for the season.

3. Sikandar Raza (All-Rounder)

Sikandar Raza provides balance to the PBKS lineup as an all-rounder who can contribute with both bat and ball. His ability to play under pressure and deliver match-winning performances makes him a strong candidate for retention. As an overseas capped player, Raza would likely cost ₹14 crores from the PBKS purse.

4. Harpreet Brar (Bowler)

Harpreet Brar, a key spinner in PBKS’s bowling attack, has shown potential and growth. His ability to bowl economical spells and pick crucial wickets makes him a valuable asset. PBKS may consider retaining Harpreet as a capped Indian player at ₹14 crores.

5. Jitesh Sharma (Wicketkeeper-Batter)

Jitesh Sharma has been a dependable wicketkeeper-batter for PBKS. His aggressive batting style and sharp wicketkeeping skills make him a contender for retention. If retained, Jitesh would cost ₹11 crores as a capped Indian player.

Uncapped Player Retention

According to the auction rules, PBKS can retain two uncapped players. Each uncapped player will cost the team ₹4 crores from their purse.

6. Prabhsimran Singh (Wicketkeeper-Batter)

Prabhsimran Singh, an explosive wicketkeeper-batter, has shown flashes of brilliance and could be a long-term investment for PBKS. Retaining him as an uncapped player would allow PBKS to secure a backup keeper-batter at a relatively low cost.

7. Vidwath Kaverappa (Bowler)

Vidwath Kaverappa, an uncapped bowler, has the potential to grow into a key bowler for the team. His retention would allow PBKS to strengthen their bowling depth without heavily impacting their purse.

Potential Scenarios and Purse Management

Let’s explore two potential retention scenarios and how they would affect PBKS’s auction purse-

Scenario 1- Retaining 6 Players (5 Capped + 1 Uncapped)

• Retained players- Shikhar Dhawan, Arshdeep Singh, Sikandar Raza, Harpreet Brar, Jitesh Sharma, Prabhsimran Singh.
• Purse Deduction- ₹18 cr (Dhawan) + ₹11 cr (Arshdeep) + ₹14 cr (Raza) + ₹14 cr (Harpreet) + ₹11 cr (Jitesh) + ₹4 cr (Prabhsimran) = ₹72 crores.
• Remaining purse- PBKS will have ₹48 crores to spend in the auction, and no RTM cards will be available.

Scenario 2- Retaining 5 Players (4 Capped + 1 Uncapped)

• Retained players- Arshdeep Singh, Sikandar Raza, Harpreet Brar, Jitesh Sharma, Prabhsimran Singh.
• Purse Deduction– ₹11 cr (Arshdeep) + ₹14 cr (Raza) + ₹14 cr (Harpreet) + ₹11 cr (Jitesh) + ₹4 cr (Prabhsimran) = ₹54 crores.
• Remaining purse– PBKS will have ₹66 crores to spend in the auction and one RTM card available.

In Scenario 2, PBKS maintains more flexibility at the auction table with a higher remaining purse and the option to use an RTM card to bring back one of their key players.

RTM Card Strategy for PBKS

With the possibility of using RTM cards, PBKS can look to bring back players who may attract high bids at the auction but are still crucial to their plans. Some RTM candidates include-

• Chris Woakes (All-Rounder)– Woakes offers value with both bat and ball and if he attracts a high bid at the auction, PBKS could use their RTM card to retain him.
• Nathan Ellis (Bowler)– A dependable overseas bowler, Ellis could be another player worth bringing back through the RTM card if the bidding heats up.

Punjab Kings have a talented squad that includes experienced players and young talent. Their retention strategy will focus on maintaining a balance between star performers and emerging players, ensuring they have enough purse left to target high-impact players in the auction. Using RTM cards will bring back players who attract significant interest but still fit into PBKS’s long-term plans.

With the IPL 2025 auction set to introduce some exciting changes, Punjab Kings must carefully navigate the complexities of purse management, retention rules, and RTM strategies to build a winning squad.

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