Rishabh Pant’s journey in the Indian Premier League (IPL) began in 2016 when he joined the Delhi Capitals (DC) as a young, promising wicketkeeper-batter. Over the years, he evolved into a cornerstone of the franchise, taking on the captaincy in 2021 and consistently delivering impactful performances.
In IPL 2024, Rishabh Pant emerged as the highest run-scorer for the Capitals, cementing his place as one of the league’s premier players. However, to the shock of fans and cricket pundits alike, DC released Pant ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction, signaling a significant shift in their plans.
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Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) seized the opportunity, securing Pant for a record-breaking INR 27 crore, making him the most expensive player in IPL history. After the conclusion of the auction, Pant penned an emotional farewell to Delhi Capitals, expressing gratitude to the franchise and its fans who had supported him throughout his career and personal challenges, including his recovery from a life-threatening car accident.
“Goodbyes are never easy. The journey with Delhi Capitals has been nothing short of amazing. From the thrills on the field to the moments off it, I’ve grown in ways I never imagined. I came here as a teenager, and we grew together over the last nine years,” Rishabh Pant shared on social media.
.@DelhiCapitals 🙌#RP17 pic.twitter.com/DtMuJKrdIQ
— Rishabh Pant (@RishabhPant17) November 26, 2024
He further added, “What made this journey worthwhile is you, the fans. You’ve embraced me, cheered for me, and stood by me during one of the toughest phases of my life. As I move on, I carry your love and support in my heart. Thank you for being my family and making this journey so special.”
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Rishabh Pant is widely expected to take on the captaincy role at LSG, leveraging his leadership experience from Delhi Capitals, where he led the team in 44 matches, winning 24 and losing 19. In an interesting twist, Pant swapped places with KL Rahul, who joined Delhi Capitals for INR 14 crore. This high-profile exchange has set the stage for intriguing rivalries and fresh narratives in the upcoming IPL season, with fans eagerly anticipating Pant’s next chapter at Lucknow.
