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IPL 2025 Retention: As the IPL 2025 mega auction approaches, captains from several franchises have chosen to take pay cuts, aiming to retain a robust core and ensure their teams stay competitive.

Gujarat Titans’ captain Shubman Gill, Chennai Super Kings’ MS Dhoni, and Sunrisers Hyderabad’s Pat Cummins have made strategic concessions to strengthen their squads.

Gill’s decision emphasizes his commitment to team success, prioritizing a strong lineup over personal earnings. The 24-year-old, has previously proven his value, averaging close to 38 in IPL matches. Shubman Gill has set an inspiring precedent by agreeing to be the franchise’s second retained player, accepting a pay reduction.

Table: Captain’s IPL 2025 Salary Adjustments

Shubman Gill, leading the Gujarat Titans, has set a commendable example by agreeing to be the franchise's second retained player with a reduced salary, allowing Rashid Khan to hold the top retention spot. With this decision, young talents like Sai Sudharsan, Rahul Tewatia, and Shahrukh Khan also stand a strong chance of being retained.

Gill’s leadership move signals a commitment to the Titans' long-term success over personal gain. The Titans also have the right-to-match (RTM) option to retain another player in the upcoming auction, now scheduled to take place overseas in late November.

In another instance, Sunrisers Hyderabad’s captain Pat Cummins has accepted a slight salary reduction to INR 18 crore from his previous INR 20.5 crore. Cummins, who led SRH to the IPL 2024 final, remains integral to the team’s future plans, and his pay cut facilitates retaining other key players to maintain SRH's competitive edge.

Similarly the 2022 IPL Season, MS Dhoni’s selflessness is evident in his ongoing support for CSK’s core. He relinquished his top retention slot to all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja, who signed a lucrative INR 16 crore contract. Looking ahead to the 2025 auction, Dhoni, at the twilight of his career, is expected to return as an uncapped player, leaving Jadeja as CSK’s primary retention pick.