As the IPL 2025 auction approaches, RTM (Right to Match) cards are becoming an exciting part of team strategies. This year, teams have a total of 14 RTM card to share, making each card crucial in building a balanced squad. Here is a breakdown of how many RTM cards each team has and the key players they might go after during the auction. This analysis will also help teams prepare for the IPL 2025 Auction and the expected IPL 2025 Mega Auction, where RTM cards will play an even bigger role.
Chennai Super Kings (CSK)
RTM Cards Available: 1
CSK has retained five of their six core players and has one RTM card left.
- Main Target: Devon Conway
Conway has been a consistent performer for CSK and for New Zealand. If his bid stays between ₹7–10 crores, CSK might use their RTM card on him. Conway’s inclusion could also influence the IPL 2025 RTM Players List as CSK builds its squad for future seasons. - Backup Option: Maheesh Theekshana
The Sri Lankan spinner has been a match-winner on spin-friendly tracks. If Conway’s bid goes beyond ₹15 crores, CSK may shift focus to Theekshana. He might also feature in the IPL 2025 RTM Card Players list due to his T20 value.
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)
RTM Cards Available: 0
KKR has retained all six players allowed under IPL rules, leaving them without RTM cards.
- Impact:
KKR will have to rely entirely on auction bidding. They miss the chance to match bids for stars like Shreyas Iyer and Mitchell Starc, who could have been part of their plans for the IPL 2025 Auction.
Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH)
RTM Cards Available: 1 (For Uncapped Players Only)
SRH retained five capped players, restricting their RTM card use to uncapped talent.
- Main Target: Abdul Samad
Samad is a young talent and has a history with SRH, making him the likely choice. His retention could impact SRH’s IPL 2025 RTM Cards strategy. - Backup Option: Upendra Yadav
With a strong domestic performance, Upendra could be a smart addition if Samad’s price soars. Upendra’s inclusion might feature in the IPL 2025 RTM Players List if he proves his mettle in IPL 2025.
Gujarat Titans (GT)
RTM Cards Available: 1
Gujarat retained five players and holds one RTM card.
- Main Target: David Miller
Miller has been an excellent finisher. If his bid stays under ₹10–11 crores, Gujarat might secure him. Miller could also become a key figure in the IPL 2025 RTM Card Players pool. - Backup Option: Mohammed Shami
If Miller’s price shoots up, Shami could be a practical choice, adding bowling depth to GT’s IPL 2025 Auction strategy.
Delhi Capitals (DC)
RTM Cards Available: 2
DC retained four players, giving them the flexibility to use two RTM cards.
- Key Targets:
- Mukesh Kumar: A promising pacer; DC might spend up to ₹12 crores for him. Mukesh could also emerge as a future prospect for the IPL 2025 Mega Auction.
- Fraser McGurk: A middle-order batter likely to fetch ₹5–7 crores, strengthening DC’s plans for the IPL 2025 RTM Cards system.
Punjab Kings (PBKS)
RTM Cards Available: 4
With only two players retained, PBKS has the most RTM cards (4).
- Main Targets:
- Jitesh Sharma: A wicketkeeper-batsman who could also lead the team. His retention may influence the IPL 2025 RTM Players List.
- Kagiso Rabada: If available under ₹7 crores, PBKS might use an RTM card on him, making him a strong candidate for the IPL 2025 Auction.
- Arshdeep Singh: A valuable Indian pacer; they may stretch to ₹10–12 crores for him. Arshdeep could be part of PBKS’s IPL 2025 Mega Auction core.
- Harshal Patel: A seasoned T20 bowler worth ₹8–10 crores, adding depth for PBKS’s IPL 2025 RTM strategy.
Mumbai Indians (MI)
RTM Cards Available: 1 (For Uncapped Players Only)
MI has a strong Indian core but can only use their RTM card for uncapped players.
- Main Target: Nihal Wadhera
Wadhera is a rising batting talent and fits MI’s strategy. His growth could make him a contender for MI’s IPL 2025 RTM Players List. - Backup Option: Arjun Tendulkar
While promising, Tendulkar is a backup choice. If picked, he might feature in MI’s IPL 2025 RTM Cards pool.
Rajasthan Royals (RR)
RTM Cards Available: 0
RR retained all six players, leaving them without RTM cards.
- Impact:
Without RTM flexibility, RR will rely entirely on smart auction bidding. Their approach will heavily influence their preparation for the IPL 2025 Auction.
Lucknow Super Giants (LSG)
RTM Cards Available: 1
LSG has retained five players and has one RTM card left.
- Main Target: Marcus Stoinis
Stoinis is a versatile player who bats in the middle order and bowls key overs. His role could be critical for LSG’s IPL 2025 Mega Auction planning. - Backup Option: Quinton de Kock
Despite recent struggles, de Kock could be a strong pick if his bid is reasonable. His addition might influence LSG’s IPL 2025 RTM Players strategy.
Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB)
RTM Cards Available: 3
RCB retained three players, allowing them to rebuild their squad with three RTM cards.
- Key Focus:
- Retain overseas stars who can strengthen both batting and bowling.
- Balance the squad by targeting quality all-rounders to solidify their IPL 2025 RTM Cards plans.
Conclusion
The 2025 auction promises high drama as teams use their RTM cards wisely. These strategies not only influence this year’s tournament but also set the stage for the IPL 2025 Mega Auction. Players like Conway, Jitesh, and Stoinis could feature prominently in the IPL 2025 RTM Players List, making their performance this season vital.
Which player should your favorite team target? Let us know in the comments below!