The player retention list ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2018 auction is finally out. The list features some obvious names retained by respective franchises. All eight franchises have retained at least a player from their existing squad. Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals, who were suspended for two seasons, have retained players from their last squad.
CSK apparently have retained former Indian captain MS Dhoni, Suresh Raina and all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja while RR have opted to retain Australia captain Steven Smith. Kings XI Punjab have retained only Axar Patel while teams like defending champions Mumbai Indians (MI), Delhi Daredevils (DD) and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) have retained three players each.
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Interestingly, Kolkata Knight Riders have let go their title-winning captain Gautam Gambhir and have retained Windies duo of Sunil Narine and Andre Russell.