IPL 2025 Retention List: Sanju Samson's Rajathan Royals To Let Go Yuzvendra Chahal & Jos Buttler

As the excitement builds ahead of the IPL mega auction, Rajasthan Royals (RR) is making waves with their strategic player retention decisions. With the franchise poised to retain key players while considering the future of some pivotal figures, the stage is set for an electrifying season. Reports suggest that under the leadership of Sanju Samson, the Royals are focused on creating a robust team structure as they look to reclaim their former glory.

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Key Retentions: The Core of Rajasthan Royals

Rajasthan Royals, the inaugural champions of the Indian Premier League, are set to retain a strong core, which includes wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson, promising young talent Yashasvi Jaiswal, and all-rounder Riyan Parag. Additionally, seasoned pacer Sandeep Sharma is expected to be retained as an uncapped player. This combination reflects a mix of experience and youth, essential for building a balanced team.

The retention of these players highlights RR’s commitment to nurturing talent while also relying on seasoned players who can guide the younger ones. Samson, in particular, has evolved into a significant figure in world cricket, and his leadership will be crucial as RR aims to end their title drought.

Jos Buttler and Yuzvendra Chahal: The RTM Card Strategy

In a surprising turn of events, reports have indicated that Jos Buttler and Yuzvendra Chahal, two key contributors to the Royals' success, might be released. However, the franchise is expected to utilize their Right to Match (RTM) cards to reacquire both players in the auction. Buttler, the England white-ball captain, has been instrumental in RR's batting lineup, while Chahal's leg-spin bowling has often turned matches in the Royals' favor.

The potential release of these stars raised eyebrows among fans and analysts alike. Yet, the RTM strategy showcases RR’s tactical approach to maintaining a competitive edge while managing their budget. The ability to retain star players like Buttler and Chahal will bolster the team’s prospects as they gear up for the 2025 season.

Dhruv Jurel: A Rising Star in Contention

Wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel has emerged as a notable performer for the Royals in recent seasons. His aggressive batting style has made him a fan favorite, and he boasts an impressive strike rate of 151.52 over 22 innings. While there is uncertainty surrounding his future, Jurel’s performances in both domestic and international cricket have put him in contention for retention via the RTM card. Keeping Jurel in the squad would not only strengthen RR’s batting but also provide a seamless transition to the next generation of players.

The Road Ahead: Ambitious Plans and New Leadership

Rajasthan Royals have also made headlines with their coaching appointments. The arrival of cricketing legends Rahul Dravid as Head Coach and Vikram Rathour as Batting Consultant signals the franchise's intent to build a formidable team. Their expertise will undoubtedly enhance the squad's performance, particularly as RR seeks to clinch their second IPL title.

The Royals’ recent performances in the IPL have shown promise; they made it to the finals in 2022 and reached Qualifier 2 in 2024. With a combination of seasoned campaigners and young talents, the franchise is keen to turn these near misses into victories. The upcoming auction will be a pivotal moment as RR aims to fine-tune their squad and enhance their chances of success.