Delhi Capitals' IPL 2025 retention list revealed: Pant, Axar, and Kuldeep stay, while Shaw and Warner exit. Big moves ahead for DC!
With the race to the IPL 2025 season well and truly on, retention strategies have taken a front row seat for franchises, trying to get their rosters in order before the BCCI's October 31 deadline. Here's how Delhi Capitals simplify retention with some automatic picks in their lineup:.
In fact, there were talks recently that DC would retain three important Indian players, with which they would show their first lines up as a core for the future. So, let's dive deeper into how Delhi Capitals are retaining or letting go of certain players.
Delhi Capitals Retained Players for IPL 2025
Rishabh Pant (INR 18 Crore):
The swashbuckling wicket-keeper batter Rishabh Pant remains the franchise's favorite pick. The cornerstones of DC's setup since his IPL debut in 2016, Pant's on-field leadership has made him indispensable. He was recently in the news for a cryptic social media post hinting at his possible departure; however, according to insiders, that was only a ploy to engage fans. With his consistency in completing games and inspiring his teammates, Pant is sure to be the captain of Capitals in IPL 2025.
Axar Patel (INR 14 Crore):
A complete all-rounder, Axar Patel is another gem for Delhi. Consistent with bat and ball for years now, he makes him one of the most reliable all-rounders for the league. Axar, who has been one of the pillars for DC, will be retained at a whopping sum of INR 14 crores, second only to Pant.
Kuldeep Yadav (INR 11 Crore):
Wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav, who recently infused life into his career through IPL seasons, seals the top three retentions for DC. Kuldeep has been able to pick up those crucial wickets and put the opposition in pressure with his spin variations. He will remain a strong part of DC's bowling arsenal to continue their quest to win the title of IPL 2025 at this price of Rs. 11 crores.
Delhi Capitals Key Players Not Retained
While Pant, Patel, and Yadav were expected to be retained, some big names did not make the cut, including:
Prithvi Shaw
The man once touted as the future of Indian cricket has really struggled in recent IPL seasons. Even though he has been with the franchise since 2018, his inconsistent form lately, including a string of 106 runs in 8 matches in IPL 2023 and 198 runs in IPL 2024, forced DC to consider releasing him. That will open up opportunities for the franchise to go scouting for other top-order options in the next auction.
David Warner
Cricketer David Warner will not be retained this time. The group will miss his leadership and experience, but DC was seeking to refresh the lineup, and with Warner out, it will pave the way for younger talents to emerge.
Ishant Sharma, Khaleel Ahmed, and Mukesh Kumar
Indian fast bowlers Ishant Sharma and Khaleel Ahmed, and Mukesh Kumar will be let go too. Though there are flashes of brilliance, DC wants to reshape their pace line-up for the 2025 season.
Anrich Nortje (SA) and Jake Fraser-McGurk (AUS)
And South African pacer Anrich Nortje, Australian batsman Jake Fraser-McGurk have also not been included in the retention list, but Delhi Capitals can use the RTM card for McGurk as he was one of the standout performers of IPL 2024, replacing Warner with an explosive 330 runs in 9 matches at a strike rate of 234.04 which helped DC remain competitive. He could come in handy to the team through RTM as he will be able to play a useful role for DC's aggressive batting strategy.
Tristan Stubbs (SA)
DC can utilize the RTM card for Tristan Stubbs also as he is an excellent player. The young South African came up with flashes of brilliance during IPL 2024. His explosive middle-order batting will be quite crucial for DC during the 2025 season.
Delhi Capitals sign Pant, Axar, and Kuldeep as core players while giving signals that they want to maintain a team which has, on one hand, experience and, on the other, fresh faces coming to the squad. Shaw, Warner, among others, being released along with smart RTM's by DC on Fraser-McGurk and Stubbs show that the whole package is being prepared for IPL 2025.
KEYWORDS- Delhi Capitals retention list IPL 2025, IPL 2025 Delhi Capitals key players, Rishabh Pant Delhi Capitals IPL 2025.
