"Don't Think I Would Retain Any Players": Australia Great's Big Advice To IPL Team

Former Australia cricketer Tom Moody believes that Punjab Kings should not retain any capped players ahead of the IPL 2025 auction. While there have been reports of PBKS considering Arshdeep Singh as their only retention, Moody believes that the franchise should look to use the right-to-match option for cricketers like Arshdeep, Sam Curran and Kagiso Rabada. The IPL-winning coach added that young wicket-keeper batter Jitesh Sharma can also be a big option when it  comes to using the RTM card.

When it comes to uncapped players, Moody picked all-rounder Harpreet Brar and explosive batter Shashank Singh as the prime contenders. However, according to media reports, there is a chance that Shashank may opt to put his name in the auction in order to attract a better price.

“For Punjab Kings, I don't think I would retain any players, certainly not capped players, but I'd be looking to use the right-to-match option for players like Arshdeep Singh, Sam Curran, and Rabada. Jitesh Sharma is another one I'd consider using the right-to-match for in the auction. When it comes to uncapped players, there are a couple of good players I'd like to secure before the auction: Shashank Singh, who is a solid middle-order power hitter and had a great season last year, and Harpreet Brar, the left-arm spinner," Moody told Star Sports.

Meanwhile, with the IPL 2025 mega auction retention deadline coming on October 31, it's the time where all ten teams will be firming up their retention plans. Kolkata Knight Riders, the IPL 2024 winners, are also in the process of finalizing their retention list.

But sources have told IANS that the retention status of their title-winning captain Shreyas Iyer is lining on unsure currently, as other players like West