How do franchises decide whom to retain and release?


IPL 2023 Winner

Great question—because retention and release decisions can make or break an IPL season before a single ball is bowled. It’s not just about who played well last year—it’s a blend of form, finances, future planning, and flexibility.

Here’s how franchises decide whom to retain and whom to let go:

🧠 How IPL Franchises Decide on Retentions & Releases

🔍 1. Performance vs Potential

  • Retain: Consistent match-winners, reliable role players, or promising youngsters.

  • Release: Players who underperformed for multiple seasons or don’t fit the current strategy.

  • Teams ask: “Is this player likely to be better next year—or have they peaked?”

💡 Example: CSK retained Ruturaj Gaikwad after one promising season—he later won the Orange Cap.

💸 2. Cost-to-Impact Ratio

  • Retention is also a budget decision.

  • If a player is good but overpaid compared to their impact, they might be released and re-bought cheaper in the auction.

🧾 Example: KKR released Pat Cummins (₹15.5 crore), despite decent returns, to free up purse space.

🧪 3. Team Balance & Role Fit

  • A team may release even a good player if:

    • They already have depth in that role

    • The player doesn’t fit their desired playing XI

  • Franchises aim for role diversity—not just big names.

🎯 Example: A team might release an overseas top-order batter if they’re targeting a domestic opener and need the overseas slot elsewhere (like for a bowler or finisher).

📊 4. Injury or Availability Concerns

  • Franchises assess:

    • Long-term injuries

    • International commitments

    • Player burnout

  • If a key player is unlikely to be available, they’re often released.

🚑 Example: Teams have released players like Chris Woakes or Sam Curran due to England's rotation policy or injury lay-offs.

🧬 5. Age and Longevity

  • Older players nearing retirement or with declining performance might be let go in favor of grooming youngsters.

🕰️ Example: Harbhajan Singh, Piyush Chawla, and similar veterans were released after years of service.

🧨 6. Auction Strategy

  • Sometimes, teams release players with a plan to buy them back cheaper in the auction.

  • Risky move—but works if no one else bids aggressively.

🎭 Example: CSK released Deepak Chahar in 2021, then bought him back in 2022 for ₹14 crore.

🏗️ 7. Core Group Mentality

  • Most successful franchises (CSK, MI) build a strong core and retain it year after year.

  • This builds chemistry, loyalty, and culture.

  • Retention is about more than just stats—it’s also about dressing room value.

🛠️ 8. Salary Cap Management

  • Retaining players affects the remaining purse for auctions.

  • Franchises do simulations: “If we retain X, can we still build a complete squad with Y and Z?”

📉 Example: If three top players take up ₹40+ crore, there’s not much room left to build depth.

🧭 9. Scouting Insights

  • Uncapped youngsters or net bowlers who impress in training may be retained even if they didn’t play.

  • These are future investments.

🔬 Example: MI and RR have retained uncapped players long before they became stars.

🏁 TL;DR – Retention Formula

Factor Impact
🔥 Recent form & role clarity High
💸 Salary vs value Critical
🤕 Fitness & availability Important
🧪 Tactical fit Key
🏗️ Squad building flexibility Essential
🧠 Long-term vision Smart teams prioritize it

Want a breakdown of which players your favorite team might retain or release this season—or a mock retention list?