IPL 2018 preparations begun on a big note as the eight franchises unveiled the names of the players who they retain ahead of the player auction late in January. The event was broadcasted on Star Sports, the new home of IPL.
Mumbai Indians retained Rohit Sharma, Hardik Pandya, and Jasprit Bumrah. Kolkata Knight Riders surprised everyone by retaining Sunil Narine and Andre Russell. Royal Challengers Bangalore retained AB de Villiers, Virat Kohli, and Sarfaraz Khan. The returning franchises Rajasthan Royals retained Steve Smith, while Chennai Super Kings retained MS Dhoni, Suresh Raina, and Ravindra Jadeja. Sunrisers Hyderabad retained David Warner and Bhuvneshwar Kumar. Kings XI Punjab had just one retained player in Akshar Patel and Delhi Daredevils retained Shreyas Iyer, Rishab Pant, and Chris Morris.
The players who got retained were elated that the franchises showed faith in them and took to Twitter to share their joy and announce their returns to their teams.
Here are some of the tweets:
Mumbai Indians is where I began my successful journey in cricket. I am privileged to continue being a part of the MI family. #CricketMeriJaan @mipaltan pic.twitter.com/hYlmnC9u2w
— hardik pandya (@hardikpandya7) January 4, 2018
Excited to be part of this wonderful franchise again. This team is what it is today because of its wonderful fans, people who work hard behind the scenes and it’s passionate owners. Along with @Jaspritbumrah93 and @hardikpandya7 I look forward to the season ahead @mipaltan ????
— Rohit Sharma (@ImRo45) January 4, 2018
The harder you work for something, the greater you’ll Feel when you achieve it
— Akshar patel (@akshar2026) January 4, 2018
Hard work pays off #kxip #ipl @lionsdenkxip back in lions den ... pic.twitter.com/J6HwiX1ks3
Taking a trip to nostalgia! There is no bigger joy then reuniting with your family & the force of reunion is unstoppable! ????#Chennai here we come to make the celebration of 378 years even more special! ????#IPLRetention #CSK #WhistlePodu @ChennaiIPL @IPL @msdhoni @imjadeja
— Suresh Raina (@ImRaina) January 4, 2018
Extremely happy to continue with @DelhiDaredevils !! #dildilli #IPLRetention pic.twitter.com/4V3vJWP5l2
— Rishabh Pant (@RishabPant777) January 4, 2018
Delighted to be retained by the @rajasthanroyals for IPL 2018! Looking forward to marching with the Royals again. Halla Bol and Happy New Year #VivoIPLonStar
— Steve Smith (@stevesmith49) January 4, 2018