IPL 2025: It is time for the preparation for the 18th edition of the Indian Premier League. The IPL 2025 season will host a mega auction. All ten teams will have to release most of their players, as the limitation for retentions is a maximum of 5-6 per team.
That means some of the biggest names will come into the auction and will be available to grab. Not just players; some of the captains might seek out new franchises. Every mega auction changes the outlook of the team from coach to captain.
Hence, there are a number of IPL captains who might be under scanner ahead of the IPL 2025. In this article, we will talk about three captains who might not be retained ahead of the IPL 2025.
Three Captains who are likely to be released ahead of the IPL 2025 auction
1. KL Rahul
KL Rahul left Punjab Kings and joined the new franchise Lucknow Super Giants in 2022. He led the franchise for three seasons, and the team made it to the playoffs twice. But in 2024, they couldn’t finish in the top four, and during a game, owner Sanjeev Goenka was seen slamming Rahul.
That has raised speculations of Rahul leaving LSG ahead of the IPL 2025. The Adani Group will be taking over the franchise, and they might look to build a new team for them. That’s where Rahul might face an axe.
2. Shikhar Dhawan
Veteran Indian opener Shikhar Dhawan has been part of Punjab Kings since 2022 as a captain. But in the last two seasons, he has missed quite a few matches, and Sam Curran has led the team in his absence. Dhawan has been in and out due to injury in the last couple of seasons.
He is also in the final half of his career at the age of 38. He won’t be getting younger, and it might be hard for him to play for another three seasons. That’s why there are high chances that Punjab Kings might release their captain Dhawan ahead of the IPL 2025 auction.
3. Faf du Plessis
Another big and unfortunate name on this list is South African superstar Fafdu Plessis. The 38-year-old had three successful seasons with Royal Challengers Bengaluru. He also led RCB to two playoffs, but there are some media reports claiming that RCB might release their captain.
Age can be a big factor in this decision, and RCB might look to give the captaincy to someone new and try out new things. That will leave Du Plessis to find out a new team for the IPL 2025.
Also Read: 3 Franchises who can target Ricky Ponting for Head Coach ahead of the IPL 2025