Teams had to make difficult choices, deciding to keep up to six players, including five capped and two uncapped Indian players, under the ₹120 crore budget ceiling for retentions and auctions combined.
The excitement surrounding player auctions and retentions is at an all-time high as the Indian Premier League (IPL) prepares for its 2025 season, particularly with the spotlight on the highest paid players ahead of IPL 2025. Each of the ten franchises has announced their list of retained players, leaving some major names like Rishabh Pant, KL Rahul, and Shreyas Iyer accessible for the forthcoming mega auction as clubs prepare for the new three-year cycle. Teams had to make difficult choices, deciding to keep up to six players, including five capped and two uncapped Indian players, under the ₹120 crore budget ceiling for retentions and auctions combined.
Here are the top ten highest-paid players that teams have kept for the season, along with their tactical decisions:
Top 12 Highest Paid Players Ahead Of Ipl 2025
1. Heinrich Klaasen (Sunrisers Hyderabad): ₹23 crore
Heinrich Klaasen earned a whopping ₹23 crore from Sunrisers Hyderabad, making him the highest-paid retained player of the season. The South African great is a seasoned match-winner, as seen by his recent batting heroics in the ICC T20 World Cup 2024. With his vast experience in franchise leagues throughout the globe and his scorching century against RCB from the previous season, Klaasen will be a huge asset for Sunrisers in the 2025 season.
2. ₹21 crore- Virat Kohli (Royal Challengers Bangalore)
Virat Kohli, a name that is synonymous with RCB, is still with the franchise after being signed for ₹21 crore. In addition to being the backbone of RCB, Kohli—the top run scorer in IPL history and one of the league's most reliable players—is also one of the tournament's main attractions. Since he wants to guide RCB to their first IPL championship, his retention was all but certain.
3. Nicholas Pooran (Lucknow Super Giants): ₹21 crore
Nicholas Pooran, a Caribbean batsman and wicketkeeper, was unexpectedly kept by the Lucknow Super Giants instead of their former captain, KL Rahul. Pooran gives the LSG lineup a ton of firepower after playing some crucial innings the previous season. He was retained by the team for a hefty ₹21 crore because of his offensive style and experience, which make him an essential player.
4. ₹18 crore- Ruturaj Gaikwad, Chennai Super Kings,
There were rumors that Rishabh Pant may take Ruturaj Gaikwad's position. Nevertheless, Chennai Super Kings decided to pay ₹18 crore to keep their skipper, demonstrating their confidence in his ability to lead and bat. A key member of CSK's top tier, Gaikwad is renowned for his composed demeanor and reliable performances.
5. Ravindra Jadeja, Chennai Super Kings, ₹18 crore
Many fans were expecting the Chennai Super Kings to retain Ravindra Jadeja for ₹18 crore in addition to Gaikwad. The seasoned all-rounder is a tactical asset on the field and has unparalleled bat and ball abilities. Jadeja's expertise and dexterity remain CSK's main advantages.
6. Jasprit Bumrah (Mumbai Indians): ₹18 crore
For ₹18 crore, the Mumbai Indians kept their pace leader, Jasprit Bumrah. Bumrah is one of the league's most feared bowlers because of his deadly death-over spells and amazing control. His retention makes him a vital member of Mumbai's bowling attack for the 2025 campaign.
7. Sanju Samson (Rajasthan Royals), ₹18 crore
The Rajasthan Royals' skipper, Sanju Samson, was kept for ₹18 crore after his recent stellar play, which included his first T20 century against Bangladesh. Samson, who is well-known for his explosive hitting, is a key member of Rajasthan's team as they look to win the IPL again.
8. Yashasvi Jaiswal (Rajasthan Royals): ₹18 crore
The Rajasthan Royals have paid ₹18 crore to retain Yashasvi Jaiswal, who at the age of 22 has already emerged as one of India's emerging talents. A key component of Rajasthan's future aspirations, Jaiswal is a young batter with great promise and a reputation for playing without fear.
9. Pat Cummins (Sunrisers Hyderabad): ₹18 crore
Sunrisers Hyderabad has paid ₹18 crore to retain Pat Cummins, the Australian Test captain and one of the highest-paid players in the 2024 Indian Premier League. Cummins, who is well-known for his ability to play both bowling and lower-order batting, adds leadership and balance to Hyderabad's plan.
10. Rashid Khan (Gujarat Titans): ₹18 crore
Rashid Khan, an Afghan spin superstar, was acquired by Gujarat Titans for ₹18 crore. Rashid is renowned for his game-changing ability to take wickets at crucial times and is a reliable performer in franchise competitions throughout the globe. He is a key member of Gujarat's bowling squad due to his talent and adaptability.
11. Axar Patel
For Rs 16.5 crore, Axar Patel was retained by the Delhi Capitals.
12. Rinku Singh
Rinku Singh was retained by KKR for Rs 13 crore.
FAQs' Highest Paid Players Ahead Of Ipl 2025
Which player is highest paid in IPL 2025?
Heinrich Klaasen earned a whopping ₹23 crore from Sunrisers Hyderabad, making him the highest-paid retained player of the season. The South African great is a seasoned match-winner, as seen by his recent batting heroics in the ICC T20 World Cup 2024.
How many players to retain in IPL 2025?
Franchises were permitted to keep up to six players (Retention/Right to Match), with a maximum of five capped internationals and up to two uncapped Indian players, with a total salary ceiling of INR 120 crore available at the mega auction for each side to assemble a squad of 25 players.
Who sponsored IPL 2025?
The 18th season of the Indian Premier League will be the 2025 Indian Premier League, often referred to as IPL 18 and branded as TATA IPL 2025.
How much money does RCB have in IPL 2025?
For the next IPL 2025, RCB was given a budget of Rs 120 crore, much as the other nine clubs. RCB will have Rs 83 crore to spend at the IPL Auction 2025 after keeping Virat Kohli (Rs 21 crore), Rajat Patidar (Rs 11 crore), and Yash Dayal (Rs 5 crore).
