The next most-awaited news ahead of Indian Premier League's (IPL) 'Big Auction' later this year is the list of players that the 10 franchises decide to retain, which is expected to be known soon.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India and the IPL Governing Council have cleared the decks by announcing the Player Regulations for the period 2025-2027.
Each franchise can retain a total of six players, which can include a maximum of five capped players (Indian and overseas) and two uncapped players, "either via retention or by using the Right to Match (RTM) option" during the players' auction.
"I think it will be a tough decision," former India batsman Mohammad Kaif said on a Star Sports video, talking about how defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) may go about retaining players.
"When a team wins, becomes a champion, then you want the main players to continue playing for the team."
Kaif had no doubt that the first KKR player who deserves to be retained is their skipper, Shreyas Iyer, primarily because of his contribution as a leader.
"Talking about Iyer's batting, he may not play that well. But about his role as a captain, to lead the team to the title is a big thing. I think he has improved as a captain, he is getting better...If he can manage so many players and win you the trophy, then he deserves to be the first (to be retained)," Kaif reckoned.
"The leader has a huge role to play. Retain Iyer first and let him continue as captain. After that (think of) Phil Salt, Andre Russell, Sunil Narine. These 3-4 players they will have to retain. Two players you need to let be in the auction and bring them back from there."
Kaif said it's always tough for a champion side to let players go after a successful campaign because every player has contributed in some manner.
"It's a tough task because if a team plays so well, then all the players contribute. If you see KKR, then different players have won the 'Player of the Match' award. Everybody has helped the team win in various situations," he concluded.
