Delhi Capitals (DC) have formally parted ways with Rishabh Pant before the mega-auction of the IPL 2024. Despite the franchise’s keen interest in retaining the explosive wicketkeeper-batter, multiple discussions were not able to arrive at a resolution. Thus, Pant was released and has been listed at a base price of INR 2 crore for IPL 2025 mega-auction that is scheduled to happen on November 24 and 25 in Jeddah.
Legendary cricketer Sunil Gavaskar has shared his thoughts while discussing Pant’s possible future. He says Pant can still get back to Delhi through the auction as he is still young, being 27 now. Gavaskar speculated that the disagreement may have been over the negotiation on the retention fee but remained positive that DC would aggressively bid to bring back Pant within their fold.
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Auction dynamics are unpredictable, but I think Delhi definitely would like to have Rishabh Pant back,” Sunil Gavaskar said on Star Sports. “Sometimes while retention talks, money can also become a factor. We have seen how players retained by franchises are given more money than the actual rate of retention. So, maybe that was the cause. But Delhi needs a solid captaincy and they will surely try to retain Pant again.
Responding to a viral post on X (formerly Twitter) over his exit, Rishabh Pant shot down speculation over his motives by saying that his decision was not financially driven.
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“My retention wasn’t about the money for sure, that I can say,” Rishabh Pant posted before stopping short of providing further details. Reports, however, indicate that the reason for this has been dissatisfaction with management’s internal changes recently dividing the franchise into two factions, planning to rotate leadership responsibilities every two years.
My retention wasn’t about the money for sure that I can say 🤍
— Rishabh Pant (@RishabhPant17) November 19, 2024
Pant’s availability has set tongues wagging already, with teams keen to get a proven match-winner and leader. Be it with DC or elsewhere, Pant’s journey in the auction promises high drama.
