IPL 2025 Retention: From MS Dhoni to Virat Kohli, Who are the Top 5 Big Retentions?

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IPL 2025 Retention: The IPL 2025 retention day saw some of the biggest names in cricket recommit to their respective franchises. The standout retentions include iconic players like Rohit Sharma, Hardik Pandya, Virat Kohli, MS Dhoni, and Heinrich Klaasen.

Each of these players will be bringing unique strengths and experience to their squads for IPL 2025. With notable salaries and expectations to match, these stars promise an exciting season ahead.

The legendary MS Dhoni remains with the Chennai Super Kings for ₹4 crore, a testament to his legacy and influence within the team and its city. Though Dhoni’s role has transitioned towards mentoring in recent years, his cricketing insights and calm presence are unmatched.

A chance in the retention rules allowed CSK to retain their most successful captain as an uncapped player, which brought down his salary cap to ₹4 crore – peanuts when compared to his pedigree.

Despite his age, Dhoni played in 14 games in IPL 2025, scoring 161 runs with a strike rate exceeding 202. CSK will undoubtedly benefit from Dhoni’s leadership, even as he likely nears the final stretch of his IPL career.

Virat Kohli, retained by Royal Challengers Bangalore for ₹21 crore, continues to be one of the highest-paid players – and certainly the highest-paid Indian cricketer – in the league.

Kohli, the IPL’s all-time leading scorer with more than 8000 runs, brings passion, intensity, and consistency to RCB. His recent performances have been nothing short of stellar, making his retention a straightforward decision for the franchise, as they aim to finally secure their maiden IPL title.

IPL 2025: Mumbai Indians Retain Two Key Players

Rohit Sharma has been retained by the Mumbai Indians for ₹16.3 crore. As one of the IPL’s most successful captains, Sharma’s retention is hardly surprising. Known for his tactical acumen and ability to lead under pressure, his role will be pivotal for MI as they aim to add another title to their illustrious record.

After stepping down from the captaincy role, his batting numbers have improved significantly. The batter finished last season with 417 runs – his highest run tally in eight years. He will look to keep up that form as Mumbai Indians will look to challenge for another IPL title.

Hardik Pandya is another crucial retention, staying with Mumbai Indians for ₹16.35 crore. Despite a tough year in IPL 2024, Pandya’s all-round abilities will certainly be essential to MI’s success. His leadership skills, combined with his explosive batting and dependable bowling, make him an invaluable asset for his team, which will look to him to lead from the front in IPL 2025.

Finally, Heinrich Klaasen surprised many with his retention by Sunrisers Hyderabad at a staggering ₹23 crore, making him the most expensive retention in IPL history.

Known for his aggressive middle-order batting, Klaasen’s impressive form has turned him into a core player for the franchise. His ability to finish games with his powerful hitting makes him a strategic asset for SRH as they seek to improve their recent IPL performances.