5 franchises that would prefer foreign players over Indians in hosting IPL 2025

Happy following Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season, anticipation for the 2025 season has reached fever pitch. The much-anticipated Mega Auction, scheduled for November 2024, promises to shake up the group’s momentum once again. Fans of short format cricket are eager to see the new team compositions as the Mega Auction offers franchises a chance to change their squads.

Unlike the smaller annual auctions, the Mega Auction is held every three years, allowing franchises to start fresh and renew their core strategies. This time, the IPL governing body made significant changes to the retention rules, allowing all 10 franchises to retain up to six players from their current squad. In another exciting change, the auction fund for each franchise has increased to Rs 120 crore, giving teams more financial leverage to bid for marquee players.

Teams interested in Indian players are retained

Traditionally, IPL franchises have relied on retaining Indian players over their foreign counterparts. This is largely due to the importance of home strength in a tournament that allows for as many as four overseas players in the playing XI. By retaining key Indian stars, franchises ensure consistency and stability in their team. Retaining Indian players also helps teams navigate through injuries or unavailability of overseas talent, ensuring they retain a competitive edge throughout the long tournament. Players love it Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli again KL Rahul used to be the backbone of their teams, making the Indian cricketers at the forefront of finishing techniques.

Foreign players are among other franchise programs

Apart from the general practice of retaining Indian players, there are chances that other franchises may focus on building their core with foreign stars in the 2025 season. Groups like Sunriers Hyderabad (SRH) or Punjab Kings (PBKS)who relied on overseas talent, could look to retain key foreign players who have been producing match-winning performances.

The increase in the auction fund gives franchises more room to accept the salaries of top international stars, making it possible to maintain a core of foreign players. Teams can also take advantage of the unpredictability of the Mega Auction by acquiring international players who have shown versatility in different situations and situations. This shift in strategy could bring new dynamics to the IPL, with teams balancing a mix of local and international talents in new and exciting ways.

ALSO READ: Aakash Chopra picks possible Mumbai Indians retention ahead of IPL 2025

5 franchises likely to favor overseas players over Indians in hosting IPL 2025:

1. Rajasthan Royals

• Performance overview: Rajasthan showed a combination of brilliance and inconsistency, finishing third in the points table. They have had moments of explosive hitting but often struggle to maintain momentum, especially in tough games. Their bowling team also faced challenges, which at times allowed the opposition to build valuable partnerships.
• Reasons to Keep Foreign Players: Rajasthan Royals can prioritize keeping players like them Jos Buttler again Trent Boult because of their knowledge and game-changing skills. These key players can have a huge impact on the outcome of the game, and their exposure to other countries allows them to deal with high pressure situations effectively.

2. Punjab Kings

• Performance overview: Punjab struggled throughout the season, finishing ninth in the table. Inconsistencies in both batting and bowling plagued their campaign, leading to them missing opportunities in crucial games. Despite some performances, the team could not find a winning rhythm.
• Reasons to Keep Foreign Players: Punjab Kings may focus on retaining foreign players like themselves Sam Curran, Liam Livingstoneagain Rabada as they often bring different skills and stability to the team. These international players can provide valuable experience and firepower, which is essential in rebuilding the team’s competitive edge.

3. Gujarat Titans

• Performance overview: Gujarat Thad ran well, finishing in the middle of the points table. They put in a solid performance at times, with strong contributions from their batting and bowling units. However, consistent executions at key moments often hampered their progress.
• Reasons to Keep Foreigners: The Titans may have made it a priority to keep outfielders like themselves Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmadagain David Miller because of their influence on the dynamics of the game. These players not only provide exceptional skills but also bring leadership and a winning mentality, which can motivate the entire team.

4. Sunriers Hyderabad

• Performance overview: Hyderabad finished second in the points table, showing a strong batting line-up and balanced bowling attack. Their ability to chase targets has effectively demonstrated their competitive edge. However, they faced the challenges of strong opposition at times.
• Reasons to Keep Foreign Players: Sunrise may emphasize keeping foreign players as they are Aiden Markram Heinrich Klaasen again Travis Head because of their strategic advantages in both batting and bowling. These players can line up while scoring crucial runs, making them integral parts of a team’s success.

5. Lucknow Super Giants

• Performance overview: In the IPL 2024 season, Lucknow faced a rollercoaster ride, finishing with a mid-table performance. Despite showing glimpses of their potential, the team has consistently struggled throughout the tournament. The batting order was often disrupted by higher order breakdowns, making it difficult to set or chase competitive totals. While the bowling unit has its moments, it tends to falter in critical overs, resulting in an inability to defend runs effectively. In the end, the disunity of the team was seen when under pressure, which prevented them from advancing to the playoffs.
• Reasons to Keep Foreign Players: Important foreign players like it Quinton de Kock, Nicholas Pooran again Marcus Stoinis they have shown their ability to work under pressure, scoring important runs and taking important wickets in matches, making them valuable assets. Keeping foreign players gives the team a strategic advantage, as they often bring unique skills and international experience that can positively influence match results.

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