When the IPL released the franchises' retention lists over the weekend, there were plenty of surprises.

The vast majority of surprises appeared in the overseas segment, particularly CSK releasing Rachin Ravindra and Matheesha Pathirana, KKR letting go of all their wicketkeepers, including Quinton de Kock, Punjab Kings parting ways with Josh Inglis, Rajasthan Royals releasing Maheesh Theekshana and Wanindu Hasaranga and so on.

But from a domestic perspective as well, especially in the case of Kerala-based players, there was a surprise. Of the four Kerala players who made the IPL 2025 squad, the only one retained was one who never appeared in the plans last season.

Punjab Kings' wicketkeeper-batter Vishnu Vinod was the only Kerala player retained from last season, while Mumbai Indians released their breakthrough spinner Vignesh Puthur, Sunrisers Hyderabad let go Sachin Baby, and Rajasthan Royals traded out their skipper Sanju Samson to CSK.

After Sanju, who is a shoo-in wherever he plays, Puthur was the Kerala player with the most appearances last season as he featured in five matches, picking up six wickets.

Sachin Baby could not play due to bad luck. The left-hander was named in the XI for SRH's home match against Delhi Capitals. Sachin was certain to come on and swing his bat after Delhi posted 133/7, but heavy rain forced the abandonment of the SRH innings, ruining the former Kerala captain's big moment.

That leaves us with Vishnu, an explosive opener, who S Sreesanth predicted would make an impact in IPL 2025. But the Pathanamthitta native never got a look in. In that context, it is surprising that the side coached by Ricky Ponting chose to retain him. The likes of Vignesh and Sachin will head to the auction to be held in Abu Dhabi on December 16.

TAGS

Google News Add as a preferred source on Google
The comments posted here/below/in the given space are not on behalf of Onmanorama. The person posting the comment will be in sole ownership of its responsibility. According to the central government's IT rules, obscene or offensive statement made against a person, religion, community or nation is a punishable offense, and legal action would be taken against people who indulge in such activities.