IPL 2025: Aakash Chopra claims Riyan Parag isn't worth ₹18 crore, reveals RR's likely retentions

The former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra made bold predictions about the Rajasthan Royals' (RR) retention strategy ahead of the upcoming IPL 2025 mega auction.

The cricket expert has openly said that Riyal Parag doesn’t deserve to be in the INR 18 crore bracket, so he should not be the Royals' priority. Actually, Chopra has named the three players he believes must be retained by the Rajasthan Royals (RR) to secure their competitive edge and future in the IPL.

Aakash Chopra predicts Rajasthan Royals (RR) will retain Jos Buttler, Sanju Samson, and Yashasvi Jaiswal ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction

He believes that the Rajasthan Royals (RR) should prioritize retaining Jos Buttler, Sanju Samson, and Yashasvi Jaiswal. England captain Buttler, captain, and wicketkeeper Samson, and the young batting sensation Jaiswal are invaluable assets and the backbone of the RR’s batting lineup.

They are expected to earn a significant salary, and the cricket pandit feels they would earn between INR 14 crore and INR 15 crore. However, the challenge doesn’t end with these three retentions, as the RR faces tough decisions regarding the retention of another key player, Parag.

However, Chopra raised eyebrows at the notion of retaining Parag for an overpriced INR 18 crore, saying it may not be a wise investment for the Rajasthan Royals (RR). He opined that the Royals must use Right To Match for the Assam star.

Aakash Chopra says Riyan Parag doesn't deserve INR 18 crores

Aakash Chopra said in a video uploaded on his YouTube channel: “Their top three retentions should be Jos Buttler, Sanju Samson and Yashasvi Jaiswal. You can decide one, two and three - it really doesn't make a difference, because whether you leave out Yashasvi, Sanju or Jos Buttler, they will go for 14 to 15 crores.”

Chopra further explained, “All three are batters, which includes two Indians. Your top three is set. You need to retain these three. After that, you will have slight problems. You will wish a lot to retain Riyan Parag. However, I won't agree with Riyan Parag for 18 crores.”

Instead, the cricket expert proposed a more strategic approach, calling for the retention of uncapped Indian bowler Sandeep Sharma for a modest INR 4 crore, which will provide the Rajasthan Royals (RR) with the necessary funds to strengthen their squad further for the upcoming IPL 2025.

RR can use RTM cards for Riyan Parag and Yuzvendra Chahal: Aakash Chopra

However, Chopra suggested the Rajasthan Royals (RR) should utilize the Right To Match (RTM) cards to secure both Riyan Parag and Yuzvendra Chahal. He added, “Sandeep Sharma is an uncapped Indian. You can keep him with you for four crores. Then you will be left with two Right To Match cards. You can use one for Riyan Parag and the second for Yuzi Chahal.”

Furthermore, the commentator has emphasized the potential of wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel, suggesting that he could be a game-changer for the Rajasthan Royals (RR). Jurel didn’t get more opportunities to show his full potential in the IPL 2024, but his talent is irrefutable, and Chopra believes that investing in the youngster could yield significant returns.

Chopra signed off by saying, “You will then hope that you somehow get Dhruv Jurel as well because I feel Dhruv Jurel has a great future in this team. He is a gun player. We haven't yet seen the best of Jurel because he doesn't get to bat. He gets to bat very low in the batting order but he is a player you want to invest in.”