The Rajasthan Royals have unveiled a formidable set of retained players ahead of the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) Auction. Led by Sanju Samson, who has captained the team for four seasons, the retained roster emphasizes strong Indian talent complemented by the impactful overseas presence of Shimron Hetmyer.
Key Retentions and Roles
- Sanju Samson – Retained for ₹18 crores, Samson will continue to lead the Royals into his 11th IPL season. Known for his consistent contributions, Samson has been instrumental in guiding the team to playoff spots twice in the last four seasons.
- Yashasvi Jaiswal – A breakout player, retained at ₹18 crores, Jaiswal’s explosive top-order presence and record of 625 runs in the IPL 2023 season have made him a crucial member of both the Royals and the Indian national team setup.
- Riyan Parag – Retained at ₹14 crores, Parag is emerging as a dynamic all-rounder. Following a strong 2024 season with the Royals, he earned his place in India’s white-ball setup, further showcasing his rising stock.
- Dhruv Jurel – Jurel, retained at ₹14 crores, has proven his skills as a reliable middle-order wicketkeeper-batter, with a strike rate of 172.72 in IPL 2023. His development aligns with the Royals’ commitment to nurturing homegrown talent.
- Shimron Hetmyer – Retained as the only overseas player for ₹11 crores, Hetmyer’s powerful finishing abilities have added depth to the Royals’ lineup, with a consistent strike rate of 156.48 across three seasons.
- Sandeep Sharma – Retained for ₹4 crores, Sharma has proven effective as both a new-ball bowler and a death-over specialist, picking up 23 wickets in two seasons with an economy of 8.39.
Coaching Staff’s Remarks
Sanju Samson, reflecting on the team’s journey, emphasized the invaluable camaraderie developed over seasons. “I look back fondly at special memories created… ideally, I would do anything to continue this journey with exactly the same team, but the auction rules mean we must part with some,” Samson said.
Rahul Dravid, Head Coach, praised the retained players’ unique strengths and contributions: “Sanju has anchored us not only with his batting consistency but also in his inspiring leadership. Yashasvi, Riyan, and Dhruv are at exciting stages in their careers and have shown immense talent.” Dravid underscored the franchise’s faith in this core group, highlighting the stability it provides heading into the 2025 IPL Auction.
