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Royals Sports Group-owned franchise Rajasthan Royals revealed a formidable roster of retained players ahead of the Indian Premier League 2025 Auction which features an explosive core of strong Indian talent. Sanju Samson, who has led the team for the past four seasons will continue to do so, along with renewals for breakout top-order batter Yashasvi Jaiswal, mercurial all-rounder Riyan Parag, phlegmatic wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel, destructive finisher Shimron Hetmyer and crafty medium pacer Sandeep Sharma.
Samson, who is set to embark on his 11th season with the Jaipur-based franchise, has been retained at a value of ₹18 crores. During the past four seasons under his captaincy, the team has made the playoffs twice, including a Runners Up finish in IPL 2022. He has also consistently stepped up with the bat since taking over as skipper in 2021, scoring 1835 runs in 60 innings at a strike rate of 147.59, and finishing within the top-3 run-getters for the franchise in each of the four seasons.
“The last few seasons have truly been remarkable for our franchise. We have been able to deliver some special moments for our fans and were able to create an environment in the dressing room where some of our young talent has been groomed to be the next generation of superstars for Indian cricket,” said Sanju Samson.
Yashasvi Jaiswal, who has risen from the ranks in the past couple of years through the Royals’ development pathway, has also transformed into a key member of the Indian men’s national team.
Riyan Parag, who had a stellar IPL 2024 season for the Royals before making his white-ball debut for India earlier this year, has been retained at a value of ₹14 crores.
Young Indian wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel is retained for the Royals at a value of ₹14 crores.
Shimron Hetmyer becomes the only overseas player to have been retained by the franchise at a value of ₹11 crores.
Sandeep Sharma, who was introduced as a replacement player in IPL 2023 by the Royals, has been retained as the only uncapped player by the franchise at a value of ₹4 crores.
Rahul Dravid, Head Coach, Rajasthan Royals reacted on the retentions, “The franchise have been really successful and consistent over the last three years, with so many players delivering through the course of the last cycle. As we go into this new cycle, we have gone with this core of players who we believe bring something unique to this team, all being in different but exciting stages of their careers. Sanju, in particular, has been a real anchor for us—not only with his consistency on the field but also in how he leads by example, inspiring everyone around him. It has been incredibly rewarding to see this core of young Indian players grow – Yashasvi, Riyan and Dhruv – all of them having immense talent and drive. With their experience, both Sandeep and Shimron have displayed calmness under pressure, and have brought their game-changing abilities to the fold.”
“For us, retaining this group isn’t just about their skills—it’s about extending the trust, giving ourselves a sense of stability, and putting ourselves in the best position going into the all-important IPL Auction. It’s certainly an exciting time for the franchise and for these players,” Dravid added.
