Defending champions Mumbai Indians in all likelihood will be retaining skipper Rohit Sharma along with Pandya brothers, Hardik and Krunal, while under-performing Delhi Daredevils may keep Rishabh Pant and Shreyas Iyer in their stable ahead of the IPL auction on Jan. 27.

While the last date of submission for the player retention is Jan. 4, the franchises are more or less certain about the kind of players they would like to retain and the ones they would buy back with Right To Match (RTM) cards.

It is learnt that it is a strategic decision to retain Krunal as this will enable the franchise to buy back Kieron Pollard and Jasprit Bumrah with the ‘Right To Match’ cards.

It is learnt that Delhi are still undecided about having two or three retentions but Pant and Iyer being India players are certain to be retained.

Steve Smith is expected to be retained by Rajasthan Royals after having spent two years at the Rising Pune Supergiants. The Chennai Super Kings are set to retain three of their marquee players — skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni, IPL superstar Suresh Raina and all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja while Dwayne Bravo, if fit, is all but certain to be bought back with Right To Match card.

David Warner looks certain to be retained by the Sunrisers Hyderabad who can also retain the immensely talented Deepak Hooda by paying Rs. 3 crore for the uncapped player just like MI will be doing for Krunal.

Meanwhile, England all-rounder Ben Stokes has been given permission by the England and Wales Cricket Board to take part in the lucrative Indian Premier League. Stokes was signed by Rising Pune Supergiants for 1.7 million pounds in last year’s edition of the IPL.