How do franchises decide their retention strategy?


IPL 2023 Winner

IPL franchise retention strategy is chess, not checkers ♟️😎. It’s a mix of cricketing logic, future planning, salary cap math, and sometimes, just gut feeling. Let’s break down how franchises actually decide who to retain and who to release before the auction:

📊 How IPL Teams Decide Their Retention Strategy

1. 🔥 Player Performance & Consistency

  • The most obvious factor: Who’s been delivering year after year?

  • Teams look at:

    • Batting average & strike rate

    • Economy & wickets for bowlers

    • Clutch performances in key games

Example: MI retaining Bumrah or CSK keeping Jadeja — consistent match-winners.

2. 🧠 Team Balance & Core Structure

  • Franchises try to retain a strong core:

    • 1–2 top batters

    • 1 quality all-rounder

    • 1 front-line bowler

  • It’s about having pillars to build around, then using the auction to fill gaps.

Think of CSK’s spine: Dhoni, Ruturaj, Jadeja — everything else adjusts around them.

3. 👶 Age, Fitness & Longevity

  • Older players may be released unless they're still elite (e.g., Dhoni).

  • Teams want to invest in younger, high-potential players with long-term value.

Example: RCB releasing Chahal but retaining Harshal Patel.

4. 💰 Salary Cap Management

  • Retained players consume a fixed part of the ₹95 Cr purse:

    • Retain 3–4 players = lose ₹33–42 Cr from purse

  • Teams must weigh value vs cost.

Sometimes, releasing a high-cost player lets them rebuy cheaper or chase new targets.

5. 🌍 Indian vs Overseas Mix

  • Franchises can only play 4 overseas players in a match.

  • So even if an overseas player is a star, teams often prefer retaining Indian players to maintain balance.

Example: MI retaining Suryakumar & Ishan Kishan over foreign stars.

6. 🤝 Player-Coach Relationship

  • Some players just fit a franchise's vibe, culture, or leadership style.

  • Captains or coaches often lobby to keep key guys they trust.

Think: Dhoni and his loyal lieutenants (Raina, Bravo, Jadeja).

7. 🔮 Auction Game Plan

  • Sometimes a team releases a player they still want — hoping to rebuy them cheaper in the auction.

  • It’s risky, but if it works, it frees up purse space.

Example: KKR letting go of Umesh Yadav and picking him back at a lower price.

8. 💥 X-Factor & Fan Base

  • Some players bring star power, marketing appeal, and fan loyalty.

  • That emotional connection can play a role too.

Think: Virat at RCB, Dhoni at CSK — irreplaceable from a brand standpoint.

🎯 Final Thought:

IPL retention is a blend of cricketing logic, numbers, and bold bets.
The goal? Keep your match-winners, your future stars, and build a squad that can lift that trophy 🏆.