Retentions portray IPL's boundaries and some red flags

SOME RETENTION DECISIONS WERE SURPRISING. NOT IN TERMS OF WHO REMAINED OR LEFT, BUT IN THE MANNER IN WHICH THE GAME PLAYED OUT.

- Amrit Mathur

IPL auction and retentions attract attention because of the hype, drama and money involved. Mayank Yadav's price zooming from ₹20 lakh to ₹11 crore, on the strength of 13 overs bowled last season, is one example of the magic of cricket's crazy bazaar. No less interesting is the messaging around squad building – the fascinating interplay of power, loyalty, ambition and opportunity. The messaging is often subtle, done with finesse. On other occasions it is raw, brutal.

Retentions this time were on expected lines but some decisions were surprising. Not in terms of who remained or left, but in the manner in which the game played out. Take, for instance, LSG. After the disgraceful owner-captain public spat (and the subsequent private jhappi) it was apparent the relationship could only go worse. Later, while officially parting ways, the owner launched into a thinly disguised attack, citing the need for "players playing with intent, putting team ahead of self".

KL Rahul's response to this was typically restrained and dignified. He talked in general terms about a "happy dressing room and looking for freedom". Point made.