Few voices in Indian cricket carry the weight of Rahul Dravid’s. The former India coach and current Rajasthan Royals head coach has seen the Indian Premier League (IPL) auction system from both sides — first as a mentor and now as a strategist tasked with navigating its complexities. While acknowledging the frustrations it brings, Dravid ultimately sees the auction as a crucial element in maintaining the IPL’s competitive balance.
The Frustration of Rebuilding
Dravid admits that franchises often struggle with the auction cycle, particularly when they are forced to let go of key players. “We’ve been through the frustration of the auction cycle — having to let players go and then rebuilding. We always try to retain our core and build around it,” Dravid said in an exclusive chat with Sportstar.
For any coach, continuity is valuable, and losing key personnel can disrupt long-term planning. However, Dravid believes that this very challenge is what keeps the IPL dynamic.
Ensuring a Level Playing Field
“The auction system is what keeps the league highly competitive,” Dravid explains. “The ability to rebuild every three or four years ensures that no team dominates indefinitely. Any team can beat any other, and that’s what makes the IPL so exciting.” Unlike leagues where wealthier teams hoard talent, the IPL’s structure prevents long-term monopolies.
Integral to this is the salary cap, which ensures that all teams operate within the same financial constraints. “The salary cap and equal purse for all teams further enhance this competitiveness. While there are valid arguments on both sides about the effectiveness of an auction, there’s no clear-cut answer.”
The Retention Debate
One of the ongoing debates in IPL circles is whether the auction cycle should last longer than three years. “As a coach, you want to keep your core intact for as long as possible. The debate over whether the cycle should last three years or five years is always open.” While stability is desirable, the league has gradually increased retention limits, allowing teams to hold onto more players than before.
“The league now permits teams to retain six players, the highest ever,” Dravid notes. “But a large auction every three years ensures that teams can reassess their squads and remain competitive. It’s also beneficial for players.”
Opportunities for Players
Beyond franchise concerns, Dravid highlights how the auction system benefits individual players, especially those struggling for game time. “Many players spend three years at a franchise without getting enough chances. A new team might offer them better opportunities, which is crucial for their careers. If a player gets stuck in a franchise for six to nine years without regular game time, it could harm their development.”
This is particularly true for young Indian cricketers trying to break into first-choice XIs. “For young Indian players especially, re-entering the auction provides a fresh start. Even a three- or four-year stint at a single franchise can sometimes limit a player’s growth if they would have fit better into another team’s balance or strategy.”
A System That Works
While there will always be debate about whether the IPL should move toward a draft system or increase the retention window, Dravid believes the current model is effective. “There are arguments on both sides, and finding a perfect solution is difficult. But the results speak for themselves — the league remains competitive, different teams win, and the playoffs aren’t dominated by just one or two sides. That balance keeps fans engaged and ensures the tournament’s continued success.”
Keep an eye out for the full Rahul Dravid interview in the next edition of Sportstar for more insights on this and other key cricketing topics.