The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) recently outlined the IPL player retention rules for the 2025 to 2027 period. According to the new regulations, each of the 10 franchises can retain up to six players from their current squads, either directly or via the Right to Match (RTM) option. Out of these, a maximum of five players can be capped (Indian or overseas), while up to two can be uncapped.
Over the years, South African players have played pivotal roles for their IPL teams. For instance, David Miller’s 481 runs in the 2022 season were instrumental in Gujarat Titans’ (GT) maiden IPL title. Similarly, Quinton De Kock has made his mark with various franchises. However, with the IPL 2025 mega auction on the horizon, many teams will be forced to release some of their star players. Here’s a look at five South African internationals who may not be retained by their respective franchises.
1. Aiden Markram (Sunrisers Hyderabad)
Aiden Markram has been exceptional for Sunrisers Eastern Cape in SA20, but his IPL form with Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) has left much to be desired. Under his leadership, SRH finished at the bottom of the table in IPL 2023, winning only four games. He was retained as a player for IPL 2024, but his performance was underwhelming, managing just 220 runs in 11 matches at an average of 24.44 and a strike rate of 124.29, with only one half-century. Markram’s struggles were evident in his 20 off 23 balls during the final match against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).
After being sacked as captain, it seems likely that SRH will part ways with him ahead of the 2025 auction.
2. Anrich Nortje (Delhi Capitals)
Anrich Nortje had a forgettable IPL 2024 season with Delhi Capitals (DC). Returning from injury, he played only six matches, taking seven wickets at an average of 42 and an economy rate of 13.36. Batters easily dealt with his express pace, making it a tough season for him. Despite his excellent form in the 2024 T20 World Cup, where he claimed 15 wickets in nine matches at an average of 13.40, Nortje may not be retained by DC for IPL 2025 due to his recent struggles in the league.
3. Gerald Coetzee (Mumbai Indians)
Gerald Coetzee was one of the few bright spots for Mumbai Indians (MI) in their otherwise turbulent IPL 2024 campaign, which included the controversial sacking of captain Rohit Sharma. Coetzee played 10 matches, taking 13 wickets at an average of 26.23 and an economy rate of 10.18, with best figures of 4-34.
However, despite his promising performances, Coetzee could be released ahead of the 2025 auction due to the retention of MI’s core Indian stars like Hardik Pandya, Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, Suryakumar Yadav, and Ishan Kishan. With only five capped retentions allowed, MI might have to release Coetzee to comply with the rules.
4. Nandre Burger (Rajasthan Royals)
Nandre Burger had a decent IPL 2024 season for Rajasthan Royals (RR), picking up seven wickets in six matches at an average of 20.71 and an economy rate of 8.53. While he didn’t take a large haul of wickets, the left-arm pacer made an impact in the games he played.
However, with RR likely to prioritize retaining players like Sanju Samson, Jos Buttler, Trent Boult, Yuzvendra Chahal, and Yashasvi Jaiswal, Burger may not be part of the five capped players they retain. Additionally, seasoned pacer Sandeep Sharma could be kept as an uncapped player, further reducing Burger’s chances of staying with RR.
5. Marco Jansen (Sunrisers Hyderabad)
Marco Jansen, the South African bowling all-rounder, could also be on his way out from Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) ahead of the IPL 2025 auction. Jansen featured in just three matches for SRH in the 2024 season, picking up only one wicket while leaking runs at an economy rate of 12.90.
Despite his undeniable talent, Jansen’s inconsistency has hindered his ability to deliver consistently for SRH. With the franchise likely to retain players like Pat Cummins, Heinrich Klaasen, Abhishek Sharma, and Travis Head, Jansen could find himself released in favor of T. Natarajan, who might get the nod as the team’s fifth capped player.
