IPL 2025: 6 captains who might be released ahead of auction

With the mega auction for the 2025 edition of the IPL slated to occur later in the year, it is evident that the franchises will undergo substantial transformations. This development promises a slew of strategic reinforcements as all the participants would aim to enhance their squads with well-considered changes in both team composition and management. Let us examine six captains who may face non-retention ahead of the 2025 IPL mega-auction: 1. Shubman Gill (Gujarat Titans) Shubman Gill. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI) Since the inception of the Gujarat Titans in 2022, the franchise has seen three captains at the helm. Hardik Pandya led the team through its inaugural season and most of the 2023 edition, steering it to the title in the first year and a runners-up finish in the subsequent edition. His influential role extended beyond captaincy, as he consistently elevated himself in the batting order, showcasing his pivotal contribution with the bat across both seasons. Rashid Khan assumed leadership of the side during Hardik Pandya's brief absence in a few matches of the 2023 season. However, the limited duration of his captaincy renders the sample size insufficient for a comprehensive assessment, with the Afghan's win rate standing at a mere 50%. Following a couple of successful seasons, expectations were high for the franchise to deliver another stellar performance. However, despite Shubman Gill having a commendable season with the bat, the departure of Hardik Pandya to the Mumbai Indians left him at the helm of the team. Gill's leadership did not quite meet expectations, as he struggled to inspire his squad on the field, culminating in a disappointing eighth-place finish in 2024. While it may not be a decisive element, the omission of Gill from the 15-member squad for the T20 World Cup 2024 could reasonably influence considerations regarding his retention. Also Check: Top 3 players CSK might release ahead of IPL 2025 mega-auction 2. Shikhar Dhawan (Punjab Kings) Dhawan wicket ( Photo source : X / Twitter ) The stylish southpaw has set the IPL ablaze with his skillful stroke-making and rightfully has the record to his name of being the person having scored the most number of fours in the cash-rich league. However, there are factors that could lead the franchise to reconsider retaining him in the upcoming IPL auction. One significant factor could be Dhawan's diminished connection with cricket. Since his exclusion from the international arena in 2022, Dhawan has participated in very few matches, with his involvement largely restricted to the IPL, with him being pretty much out of sync when it comes to domestic fixtures as well. Secondly, his age is a significant consideration. At 38, Dhawan endured a shoulder injury in the early part of the 2024 season, which sidelined him for the remainder of the campaign. Given the increasing dynamism of the IPL, the Punjab Kings are likely to seek a younger leader capable of invigorating the team. This is particularly relevant as the team has finished sixth, eighth, and ninth in recent seasons under his leadership. 3. KL Rahul (Lucknow Super Giants) KL Rahul. (Source -IPL/BCCI) Similar to Gill, a pivotal factor for the Lucknow Super Giants to deliberate over Rahul’s retention is his exclusion from the 20-over World Cup squad, as well as his absence from the Sri Lankan T20I tour. Despite leading LSG to third-place finishes in the 2022 and 2023 IPL seasons, the 2024 edition proved to be a severe letdown, with the team finishing a disappointing seventh in a lackluster campaign. With the implementation of the Impact Player rule in 2023, another notable concern is the issue of strike rate. Rahul has frequently been criticized for prolonging his innings excessively and failing to generate the requisite aggression required in various knocks of his. Another factor to consider would be the seemingly strained relationship between LSG owner, Sanjiv Goenka, and the wicketkeeper-batter, particularly following the on-field altercation and the reprimand Goenka delivered to the Indian international after a heavy defeat to the Sunrisers Hyderabad in IPL 2024. Also Check: Top 3 players MI might release ahead of IPL 2025 mega-auction 4. Shreyas Iyer (Kolkata Knights Riders) Shreyas Iyer. (Photo Source: Twitter/IndianPremierLeague) The current Kolkata Knights Riders Captain Shreyas Iyer’s future in the coveted Indian Premier League (IPL) has been shrouded by clouds of uncertainties. Even though he has been leading the team with fine tactical acumen and has been a vital cog in the side. However, in the upcoming IPL 2025 auctions, KKR may look ahead to nurture a new leader owing to his constant injury issues. This not only causes selection conundrum but also keeps him away from the field especially when the side is bowling against an opposition. Also, with the new six-player-retention rule, the Kolkata-based franchise will look to reshape the team for the prospects. 5. Faf du Plessis (Royal Challengers Bengaluru) Faf du Plessis. (Source -IPL/BCCI) Popular franchise Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s skipper Faf du Plessis has led the side by example in recent years but in vain. The side has yet to win any IPL title and the side is still in the transition mode. Therefore, RCB will look to rebuild a team for the future. Hence like KKR, he might get axed in a bid to find new young talents who can lift the team in the upcoming IPL 2025 edition. Even though he has been electrifying in fielding efforts and leading from the front with the bat in the past few seasons, the South African stalwart has failed to inspire the rest of his teammates to step up their game under pressure situations. With recent shake-ups in the management side itself, a new captain for the side could very well be on the cards in the upcoming IPL 2025 mega auctions. 6. Rishabh Pant (Delhi Capitals) Rishab pant ( Photo source : IPL ) Nobody saw it coming initially, after the kind of comeback Rishabh Pant made to cricket after suffering a near-fatal accident. But with recent shake-ups in the Delhi Capitals (DC) with the exit of the former head coach Ricky Ponting, the IPL franchise may look to shape up a new team from scratch. Hence, there have been speculations in the cricket arena that Rishabh Pant may only be asked to show up for the team as a wicketkeeper-batter barring conducting captaincy duties. This may be a big move which may not please Pant, who has been in some sensational form in the international circuit as well. Hence, his name going under the hammer can be highly likely. In fact, teams like Chennai Super Kings and RCB have shown their keen interest in Pant and he may trigger a bidding war in the IPL auctions if DC fail to retain him for the upcoming season.

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IPL 2025: 6 captains who might be released ahead of auction

The 18th edition of the Indian Premier League is set to feature a mega auction where substantial overhauls in the composition of all franchises are anticipated.

4. Shreyas Iyer (Kolkata Knights Riders)

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