IPL Mega Auction: Five death row players who should be retained

Indian Premier League (IPL) franchises are gearing up to announce their player retention lists ahead of the IPL 2025 mega-auction scheduled for later this year. Under the updated retention rules, each franchise can retain up to six players, using a combination of direct retentions and the Right to Match (RTM) option.

With IPL 2024 witnessing an increase in scoring rates and batsmen hitting more boundaries than ever before, the demand for quality death bowlers has increased significantly. Given the option to retain six players, teams are likely to prioritize keeping at least one standout bowler to bolster their line-up.

Here is a list of five death row players that teams should retain ahead of the IPL mega auction:

1) Jasprit Bumrah – Bumrah is undoubtedly one of the best bowlers in the world right now. Over the last three IPL seasons, he has been outstanding, taking 18 wickets at an average of 14.27 and maintaining an economy rate of just 7.10 in the crucial overs (between 16 and 20). What makes Bumrah even more remarkable is his ability to hit boundaries – only 11.52% of his deliveries have been hit for fours or sixes, and he has a dot ball percentage of 34.1%. It is almost certain that Mumbai Indians will keep him as a key player in their line-up.

FILE PHOTO: Arshdeep Singh is one of the leading figures not only in the IPL, but in international cricket as well. | Photo Credit: RV MOORTHY / The Hindu

2) Arshdeep Singh – Punjab Kings paceman Arshdeep Singh has emerged as one of the best fast bowlers, not only in the IPL but also in the T20 Internationals, particularly excelling at the death. Since 2022, he has maintained an economy of 9.62 in the last five overs (16-20), while taking 22 wickets at an impressive strike rate of 15. Arshdeep’s ability to control the game reflects in his 29.6 ball percentage, and has conceded boundaries on just 20% of his deliveries.

FILE PHOTO: Harshal Patel has taken the most wickets in the death over the last three seasons: 37. | Photo Credit: RV MOORTHY / The Hindu

3) Harshal Patel – Harshal has been the leading wicket-taker in the death over the last three IPL seasons, claiming 37 wickets. In 393 deliveries at this crucial stage, he has recorded an economy rate of 10.10 and a ball percentage of 33.3. Despite the high-pressure environment, Harshal has conceded boundaries in just 20% of his deliveries, making him a strong candidate for Punjab Kings to consider retaining or using the RTM option.

FILE PHOTO: Yash Dayal’s good form could entice RCB to retain him or at least use RTM. | Photo Credit: VEDHAN M/ The Hindu

4) Yash Dayal – The last 12 months have been exceptional for Yash Dayal across all formats. He established himself as one of the best bowlers for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in IPL 2024. Since 2022, Dayal has bowled 163 runs in the last five overs, striking every 13.5 balls. Equally impressive is his 10.49 economy rate and 30% point ball percentage. Given his good performances and current form, RCB may be inclined to retain him or at least use the RTM option.

Chennai Super Kings have benefited immensely from the addition of young Matheesha Pathirana in the last three years. | Photo Credit: JOTHI RAMALINGAM B/ The Hindu

5) Matheesha Pathirana – The Chennai Super Kings have benefited greatly from the addition of young Sri Lankan pacer Matheesha Pathirana over the past three years. In 259 deliveries, Pathirana has delivered 38.2% dot balls and conceded boundaries in just 15.83% of his deliveries. With an impressive economy rate of 8.36 in the last five overs, Pathirana is likely to be a strong contender for retention.