New Delhi, Oct 31
- Rajasthan Royals have announced the retention of six players ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 Auction. The retained players are Sanju Samson, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Riyan Parag, Dhruv Jurel, Shimron Hetmyer, and Sandeep Sharma.
Sanju Samson will continue as captain for his 11th season, retained at a value of INR 18 crores. Under his leadership for the past four seasons, the team has made the playoffs twice, including a runner-up finish in IPL 2022. He has scored 1835 runs in 60 innings at a strike rate of 147.59, consistently finishing among the top three run-getters for the franchise.
"The last few seasons have truly been remarkable for our franchise. We have been able to deliver some special moments for our fans and were able to create an environment in the dressing room where some of our young talent has been groomed to be the next generation of superstars for Indian cricket," said Sanju Samson.
He added, "I look back fondly to special memories created, some special friendships and relationships which will last a lifetime and transcend beyond the game into life and remain in our hearts forever. Ideally I would do anything to continue this journey with exactly the same team as we had in this last cycle but, unfortunately, the rules will not permit this. Hence, with great sadness in my heart we will have to part ways with some of them who have brought incredible success to the franchise and great joy to our fans."
Yashasvi Jaiswal, retained at a value of INR 18 crores, has emerged as a key player for both the Royals and the Indian national team. In the last three years, he has scored 1318 runs at a strike rate of 150.83, including 625 runs in IPL 2023.
Riyan Parag, who had an impressive IPL 2024 season and made his white-ball debut for India earlier this year, is retained at INR 14 crores. The all-rounder has played 70 IPL matches so far.
Young wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel is also retained for INR 14 crores. He made a significant impact in IPL 2023 and concluded IPL 2024 with 195 runs from 11 innings.
Shimron Hetmyer is retained as the only overseas player at a value of INR 11 crores. The destructive finisher has been crucial in the middle order with a strike rate of 156.48 over the past three seasons.
Sandeep Sharma is retained as the only uncapped player at INR 4 crores after transitioning into a reliable frontline and death bowler for the franchise.
Rahul Dravid, Head Coach of Rajasthan Royals, commented on the retentions: "The franchise has been really successful and consistent over the last three years... Sanju, in particular, has been a real anchor for us--not only with his consistency on the field but also in how he leads by example."
Dravid expressed gratitude towards the released players: "You have to make tough decisions because you can't keep all the players... I would like to thank every single member for their contributions and wish them the very best for the future in the hope that we will see some of them back at the franchise again!"